ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The end is in sight for a massive reconstruction project happening on Escanaba’s Ludington Street.
It has been a long construction season for downtown business owners and patrons. For C2AE Construction Engineer Stacy Eagle, the project has been in the works for much longer.
“All the behind-the-scenes stuff started years ago, getting grant funding together, permitting together,” she said. “The design process takes a long time, going through the bidding, and then the actual construction on the ground.”
After four months of tearing up the roadway and sidewalks, replacing old sewer lines, and updating the streetscape, paving finally began this week.
“That would be from 16th to 6th Street, as well as the striping,” said C2AE Project Manager Darren Pionk. “It’s all an ARPA grant-funded project, so we have some tight deadlines that have to be completed this year. One of our projects was moving ahead of schedule. That’s why people see less activity now. We’re waiting for the subcontractors for paving to get here to complete the work.”
Overall, the project is on schedule. However, there have been some bumps in the road.
“The asphalt plant broke down [Thursday],” said Escanaba Water/Wastewater Superintendent Jeff Lampi. “We had a day without paving, but I’m being told that the paving’s going to pick up. The east side project is not scheduled to happen until September 3 or so, and all of that paving will happen in the same timeframe. In the end, everything’s going to overlap like we planned it, despite the little breakdown.”
To prevent further issues, Pionk asks that motorists and pedestrians adhere to the signage posted throughout the downtown.
“The last thing we want is a beautiful, brand new road with great sidewalks and great pavement, and someone drives through there inadvertently,” he said. “We’re going to hold off on opening the roadway until the striping is completed.”
To keep citizens informed on the progress, the City has been hosting regular public meetings at City Hall. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, September 2 at 6 p.m.
“You have an issue; we discuss it,” Lampi said. “Contractors are there. Often, things are solved at that meeting. We’ve tried to create open venues of communication with the public. They’re always welcome to call and voice their concerns over a phone call.”
Ludington Street is expected to reopen in mid-September. As City officials, engineers, and construction crews prepare to wrap up their work, they applaud the community for its cooperation and patience.
“I know it’s been hard on the businesses, but you will have a brand new road once this is completed,” Pionk said.
Eagle added, “The businesses, the homeowners, the contractors, the City. There’s been a lot of people doing a lot of different things, and it’s turned out very well.”
“I apologize for all the inconvenience we’ve put the Ludington Street businesses through, but in the end, it’s all coming together,” said Lampi.
For details on an upcoming event in support of Downtown Escanaba businesses, click here.
