The city has officially wrapped up an improvement project along Prue Road that widened the busy thoroughfare, added infrastructure and opened up access to a nature trail.
The city's Capital Improvements Management Systems Division oversaw the $5.3 million project which was paid for by a 2007 bond issue.
On Wednesday, the director of that department along with other city officials cut the ribbon, signifying the completion of the project.
"We appreciate the public's patience because during construction, we know it's difficult with the traffic and so forth. But it's done," said Michael Frisbie, CIMS Division director.
The project widened a nearly one mile stretch of Prue Road, between Country Dawn and Autumn Bluff, from two lanes to five. It also added a foot bridge, sidewalks and drainage along Prue Road, as well as a trailhead leading to the Leon Creek greenway.
"So now it just relieves a lot of traffic congestion and provides for a much more aesthetic corridor as well," Frisbie said.
Diane Kirkland appreciates all of it. She lives in the area and has battled heavy traffic on Prue Road for years.
Kirkland also likes to walk her dog, Max, along the nature trails. Getting to them, though, has been a workout in itself.
"We cross over O.P. Schnabel and then we take the trail and then we go around," Kirkland said. "This is going to be wonderful."
The trailhead, which is decorated with a 12-foot-tall metal sculpture of butterflies, is one of a few areas where construction equipment is still visible. Cement still needs to be poured in several sections of it.
However, Frisbie said, for the most part, the project is complete.