Workers from C & P Construction are back on village streets this week, as the 2007/2008 water main replacement program recommenced.
The project started last fall and village officials say work on the downtown streets could be completed before June 1, if the weather cooperates.
Mike Olson, DPW Superintendent, said the project has been changed slightly, which will force road closures in one-block segments of downtown.
The project includes water main installation and road repair on Broadway, from M-24 to Shadbolt, and Flint Street, from M-24 to Orion Road.
The section of Flint from Washington to Orion was completed in the fall.
Due to the recent warm weather, the village was able to bump the work schedule up a week, and sent out flyers notifying businesses and residents of the change.
The new mains will be placed in the middle of the roads. Olson said this change means the contractor can avoid ‘zig-zaging? around other utilities.
The original plan was for the mains to be on one side of the road.
Olson said advance notice of closures will be given, but property owners can expect their block to be next if they see the project moving in their direction.
‘It really all depends on the pace of the contractor,? he said, adding things like weather can play a role in the speed of the project. ‘It’s hard for us to know exactly when each block will be closed.?
Olson said the dispatchers will be the first to know and that all posted detours will be of minimal inconvenience.
In general, Olson stressed that the project is a great long-term gain for a short-term nuisance.
‘Following each water main installation, the disturbed section of road will be repaired and restored with base aggregate material and a deep strength asphalt section,? the village’s notice said. ‘If the new water main disturbs the sidewalk or your driveway, the areas will be replaced in kind.?
‘There will also be temporary shutdowns of the existing water mains when the contractor makes the connections of the new mains and for the removal and replacement of existing water services in these project areas,? the release added.
Olson said the cooperation and patience of property owners is greatly appreciated, adding that events like the Flower Fair and Memorial Day Parade will not be greatly impacted.
‘We’re going to ensure that the grounds are safe for these types of events,? he said.
Any sidewalk and landscape areas that were disturbed during last year’s work along Flint will be restored this spring/summer.
In addition to the work on Broadway and Flint, the project will also include the installation of the remaining new water main on Park Island Drive.