Spring Street stage block: "It's like buying a new car and then putting it in the garage and driving a rental to work."

Regular reader J asks:

By chance, did anyone notice that Friday on Spring Street the city closed the single eastbound lane for a stage? I want to say we have a nice big stage somewhere already -- it's yellow?

Yes, sir. That'd be the Bicentennial Concert Series blocking a traffic lane, and the Riverfront Amphitheater three blocks away, perched by the Ohio.

For me, the question is two-part.

Why are we closing the two-way street we (JUST) made, and during Friday evening rush hour?

Why are we paying for this stage when we have a larger stage with an area that can facilitate more people?

Also, I seem to remember we renovated the amphitheater fairly recently. It's like buying a new car and then putting it in the garage and driving a rental to work.

The first question only now arose. The second one has been unanswered for almost six years.

Spring Street weekend lane closure: Municipal communication will remain one-way even as streets revert to both directions.

Just wanted to see if he could make it, and he did. 

For those curious about the division of Spring Street over the weekend by orange pylons, the explanation was surreptitiously posted on social media at 3:51 p.m. on Friday.

City of New Albany Government

As part of the ongoing 2-way streets conversion, one lane of Spring Street will be closed over the weekend. This closure is to prepare for the striping and pavement markings that will take place early Monday morning. Thank you for your patience as we complete this important infrastructure work.

Absolutely no work has taken place in these demarcated areas during the 40+ hours elapsing since, but it must be said that the effect has been somewhat calming in terms of traffic.

Maybe they're on to something, finally.

Nah.