Ortonville-Sunset Excavating of Livonia was the low bidder to replace the South Street culvert over Duck Creek.
The company was selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation with a construction bid of $189,214.70. The village will pick up 20 percent of this cost, or about $37,800, with a federal grant paying the remaining 80 percent. The village will also pay for 20 percent of the engineering costs, unknown at this time, says Village Manager Ed Coy.
‘I think we got a good contract,? said Leanne Panduren, project manager for Rowe Inc. ‘This (replacement of the culvert) was needed because the pipes are deteriorating. The embankment is very unstable. It’s not safe.?
Construction is expected to begin around June 14, after school has ended, and is slated to be finished by Aug. 18.
During construction, South Street will be closed north of Varsity Drive, however, the businesses in the area including Willow Pointe, A & W, Tom’s Market and the Village Car Wash will remain accessible.
Emergency vehicles will use Mill Street to respond out of the village.
‘It slows our response time by a minute or so going in that direction, but it’s our best alternative,? said Brandon Fire Chief Bob McArthur. ‘We will still be able to service all the buildings right up by the creek. It won’t take away anything from that area.?
‘If it (replacing the culvert) wasn’t absolutely necessary, we wouldn’t do it,? said Coy. ‘We’re just going to have to live with the inconvenience for a few weeks.?