The city has purchased the final parcel of land needed for the Broadway widening project to move forward this Spring, the plot of land occupied by Lerua’s Fine Mexican Food.

Lerua's, which had been open since 1922, occupied a plot of land at the corner of East Broadway Boulevard and North Norris Avenue. Lerua's will officially close its doors Saturday, Feb. 2.

With all necessary buildings now acquired and vacant, the city will begin demolition and start the widening project from Euclid Avenue to Country Club Road, which will expand the Sunshine Mile to six lanes as well as add bike lanes and sidewalks. The project is expected to be completed by 2021.

Most of the project's progress in 2019 will take place underground, with work to the city's water and sewer system as well as storm drain changes. Once the underground infrastructure work is completed, work will begin above ground on the actual widening effort. That may begin late in the year.

Many businesses along the Sunshine Mile are prepared to stay open during construction, with the city allowing increased signage without permits to let potential customers know businesses are open.

TDOT will begin taking construction bids for the $71 million project soon. See the full story.

For more about Lerua's, the full story.