Weather conditions over the next few days will determine whether or not the city’s new off-street parking lot on West Main Street is paved and ready to be used for Hartselle’s annual Christmas Parade Thur, Dec. 12.

“I hate to use weather as an excuse,” said Hartselle Department of Development director Jeff Johnson, “but what remains to be done is not the kind of work you can do when the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

“We’re aware of the Christmas parade and the number of people that will be in town that night,” he added, “and our target is to have the lot in a condition where it can be used for parking.”

“The last of the curb and gutter was poured today (Wednesday) and we’re planning to finish pouring the last sidewalk sections and bring the gravel surface up to grade today (Thursday). This will make the construction area safe.”

“Two to three inches of rain are expected later this week, but we can see a small window of opportunity to get the paving done next Tuesday.” he added. “We haven’t made a decision about opening the lot in the event the asphalt hasn’t been put down. In any event, striping can’t be done until the asphalt has cured for 30 days. “

The lighted parking lot will have 51 parking spaces, includingt four for handicap access and two for vans.