Wegman's, the much-anticipated high-end grocery store coming to Burlington is making progress on its site in the upcoming Northwest Park.

Currently, visitors to the site will see construction vehicles moving sand and dirt, preparing the area for the project.

Jo Natale, Director of Media Relations for Wegman's, told Patch last week the developer is in the process of preparing the site and the company expects the work on the parcel to be completed this September. At that point the company will begin the second phase of site work with the expectation that construction on the new store will begin in the Spring of 2013. There is no date set for completion but Natale said the grand opening will be in 2014.

Wegman's, which has signed a 30 year lease with options to renew, is planning to build a 135,000 square foot facility with adjacent parking for 800 vehicles. The plans include a 14,000 square foot mezzanine overlooking a food court, an outdoor café and outdoor cooking classes.  Patrons will be able to enter and exit Wegman’s from Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue or from Network Drive via Second Avenue.

As reported on Patch, Wegmans is a family owned and operated business which opened its doors in 1916. The grocery powerhouse now boasts 78 stores in 5 states and employs over 40,000 people. The plan is that the Burlington store will employ 600 people. Of those, 150 will be full time employees and the rest will be part time workers.