Goodrich- Several area construction projects are moving forward.
The Hegel Road project, the Erie Street safety project and upgrades to the bridge on Hegel Road are all progressing, said Becky Baker, a representative of Wade Trim Engineering.
‘The projects are moving forward, we have not run into any problems or anything,? said Village Council President Ed York.
York added a majority of the projects were funded by grant money so there would be very little cost for the village to absorb.
At a Nov. 13 village council meeting, Village Administrator Jakki Sidge said funds were available through the state through an initiative to create jobs to make repairs to Hegel from Seneca Street, west to the top of the hill, if the village was willing to move up the project from its original projected date of 2009.
Repairs will include resurfacing, as well as curb and gutter work.
Baker told the council the project had moved into the second phase, and Wade Trim was ready to begin preliminary engineering for a lump sum cost of $42,000 to the village, contingent on the approval of money from the state. If state funds are available as anticipated, the initial cost incurred in engineering from Wade Trim could be the only portion of the approximately $420,000 project for which the village is responsible.
The lump sum fee covers a survey and full design plans necessary for bidding purposes of the project, which is expected to take place in spring of 2007.
Meanwhile, final plans for the Erie Street safety project have been submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation, said Baker.
A safety grant for was awarded to the village by MDOT to improve the entire intersection of Erie Street and M-15, as opposed to the original plan of only installing in a right hand turn lane.
Approximately 200 feet of road will be reconstructed at an approximate cost of to $180,000, with the village responsible for approximately $32,000.
Baker said a temporary traffic signal will be installed at the intersection, which may come as some consolation to residents and officials who have been wanting a permanent traffic light at the intersection..
Currently, there is only a flashing light at the intersection, which has provoked discussion from residents and officials regarding the need for a traffic signal.
After two informal counts and two Michigan Department of Transportation traffic counts last year, MDOT officials determined the intersection wasn’t sufficient to warrant a light.
Because of a steep hill located just south of the intersection, Sidge fought to re-open the case, based on sight distance, not traffic count.
Sidge argued that motorists trying to turn onto M-15 from East Hegel Road or Erie Street need to be able to see a minimum of 450 feet. Moreover, said Sidge, traffic traveling through the area at speeds higher than the posted 45 mph create a risky turning situation.
Additionally, citizens passed a petition around to encourage MDOT to do additional research to get a signal installed, Sidge told The Citizen in May.
‘This project does definitely increase your chances of getting that light,? said Baker.
Final plans for construction on the Hegel Road bridge must be submitted by Dec. 20, so the project can go to bid by March 3, 2007, said Baker.
Construction on the bridge is planned to begin July 7, 2007.