Meridian Street reconstruction project set to start in May
SAULT STE. MARIE — After years of complaints and planning, Meridian Street will soon be undergoing major reconstruction.
Meridian Street, next to the Lake Superior State University campus, is a half-mile stretch of road that residents have been complaining about for years. The road's potholes and bumps can be difficult to drive on, making access to LSSU and other local buildings difficult.
Plans to fix and rebuild the road have been in progress for more than a decade, as the project was originally planned for 2007 before funding delayed it.
"The project was first looked at and had plans developed in 2007, funding for the project back then fell through," said city engineer David Boyle. "Funding has been an issue to get it done since then, roadway funding is the hardest to come up with."
After the delay, plans for construction have been moving forward for the past two years. The plans were officially approved in January.
"We have been coordinating with the affected property owners within the construction area for the last two years and have incorporated their concerns into the project plan," said Boyle. "This stretch of roadway gets its fair share of rideability comments."
The road will be completely reconstructed to make improvements to the main curb, gutter, bike path and asphalt as well as the water main and sanitary and storm sewers.
Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our coverage
The construction will take place from 8th Avenue north to Easterday Avenue. Construction is expected to begin this May and will be completed by fall this year.
The project is expected to cost $3,193,185 and is funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation's Small Urban Program. The contract was awarded to contractor Elmer's Crane and Dozer, Inc.
At the Sault City Commission meeting on April 1, council also approved a bid of $95,200 to Soils & Structures to oversee the project for MDOT standards.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Meridian Street reconstruction project set to start in May
