HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-2007 City to Begin Major Upgrades to South Michigan St. sou Tx e
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Office of the Mayor
MEDIA RELEASE
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Contact: Carl Littrell, City Engineer—574-235-9251
Mikki Dobski, Communications & Special Projects—574-235-58551876-1564
City to Begin Major Upgrades to South Michigan St.
SOUTH BEND, In. — As part of the continuing new development on the city's south side, South
Bend will begin road reconstruction, on Michigan St. from Chippewa Ave. to the U.S. 31
Bypass. The construction will occur in three phases, starting on Tuesday, May 1 and continuing
through October 31, 2007. Among a number of improvements, Michigan St. will be widened to
accommodate a new center turn lane to enhance safety and improve traffic flow and accessibility
in the area.
"The exciting success of the City's south side development has significantly increased traffic
flow along Michigan, Ireland, and Chippewa," said Mayor Luecke. "The upcoming
reconstruction effort will ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with important driver
and pedestrian safety."
According to City Engineer, Carl Littrell, the reconstruction project will serve to accomplish a
number of different goals.
"When completed, the $2.99 million project will not only provide a strong, renewed driving
surface," said Littrell, "it will also reduce congestion at the intersection of Ireland and Michigan
and provide safer left turns into driveways at homes and businesses by creating a center left turn
lane between Ireland and Chippewa."
The new road will also add and extend curbs and sidewalks in order to increase pedestrian
mobility and safety, and will provide a separated storm water collection system, eliminating the
puddles that dot many business entrances.
The first phase of the reconstruction project, on South Michigan and Chippewa, will begin on
May 1 and will last for six weeks, weather permitting. Access to all area businesses will be
maintained throughout the project.
-more-
This project leverages more than $2.3 million in federal(gas tax) funds, retuning these dollars to
our community. The City provided a local match of 20%, using Local Road and Street(state gas
tax) funds. Walsh & Kelly, a South Bend company won the state bid for this project.
The City reminds people that some delays may be expected during rush hours and asks motorists
to drive slowly through the restricted area To ensure the safety of the crews as well as drivers
and pedestrians, everyone is encouraged to please drive slowly and use caution in the Work
Zone.
Phase 1 Widening and construction of new center turn lane—May 1-
(See attached map for details)
• Traffic on Michigan St. will be restricted to the outside north and southbound lanes.
— Northbound Michigan St., from the Bypass to Sherwood St., will be one lane and
no left turns will be allowed north of Ireland Rd.
— Southbound Michigan St. will be one lane and no left turns will be allowed
between Chippewa and Ireland Rd.
• Chippewa Ave. will be closed to east and westbound through traffic, from east of
Michigan St. west to Main St., for installation of a portion of the new storm sewer
system.
— Northbound traffic on Michigan St. turning west on Chippewa will be
detoured one block north to Sherwood St. then use Main St. to travel south,
back to Chippewa.
— Southbound traffic on Main St. may continue southbound on Main, around the
curve to Michigan Street, but may not turn east on Chippewa
*Suggested route for motorists desiring to go east on Chippewa: Turn east
on Donmoyer to Fellows St., then south on Fellows to head back to Chippewa.
• Note: Ireland Rd. will remain open during this phase.
Phase 2 of the project will consist of construction of sidewalks, curbs, drive approaches, street
approaches and a portion of the storm sewer system on the east side of Michigan St., from
Chippewa to Ireland Rd. Phase 2 is expected to last six to eight weeks.
Phase 3 will consist of construction of sidewalks, curbs, drive approaches, street approaches, and
a portion of the storm sewer system on the west side of Michigan St., from Chippewa to Ireland
Rd. Phase 3 will continue until project completion.
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Michigan Street
Lane Closures
Legend
- Lanes open during construction Phase 1a
- Lanes closed during construction Phase 1 a
- Lanes Closed all Phases
Ireland Road Mr