ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The spring construction season has officially begun in Downtown Escanaba.
Through the fall, crews are replacing old sewer lines and reconstructing the streetscape. Ludington Street is now closed to traffic from 8th Street to 14th Street. Alleys will remain open to access one-way streets and certain parking areas.
Downtown businesses are still open, but many sidewalks will be temporarily inaccessible. Affected businesses are asking customers to use designated back- and side-door entrances while construction is underway.
“Downtown businesses need our support this summer,” Escanaba DDA Executive Director Craig Woerpel said in a press release. “When this gets going, we are talking about 10 blocks of Ludington Street being closed for nearly five months. To get through this, the community needs to find ways to get to our businesses, whether its to get a haircut, order a meal or find a gift.”
Once the work is complete, Ludington Street will have parallel parking, a dedicated bike lane, wider sidewalks, and curb bump-outs. In addition to improving the look and functionality of the downtown, the project will improve the City’s water and sewer infrastructure.
To keep citizens informed on the progress of the construction, City Hall is holding informational meetings at 6 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Project updates, parking information, and business activities will be updated at escanabadowntown.com.
