Another week down and more solid progress made by Hoffman Bros. and the various sub-contractors as we continue to move towards the finish line in late October 2016. Obviously, traffic is at the forefront of most folks’ minds as they travel through our great community. All of the project partners (MDOT, City of Saline and Hoffman Bros.) very much appreciate everyone’s patience as we continually monitor the detour route and attempt to dial it in to make it as smooth as possible. MDOT is continuing to evaluate the timing of the temporary traffic signals to see where timing/syncing of signals can be achieved.
On the actual construction front, an exciting find took place earlier in the week with a portion of the old street car tracks being uncovered along the 100 block of E. Michigan Ave after the asphalt mill hit them. Hoffman Bros. is waiting for MDOT approval to remove them as MDOT goes through their necessary historical/archeological protocols. Hoffman Bros. will be setting aside some larger rail pieces for the Depot Museum and the Saline Area Historical Society once they are able to proceed with removals of the tracks.
Note: The construction crews are mandated by MDOT rules to stop work at 3pm on the Friday of a holiday weekend and they cannot return until the day after the holiday. This means that there will not be any work going on from 3pm Friday, May 27th until Tuesday, May 31st at 7am.
Week of May 30th (work to begin on Tuesday, May 31st due to the Memorial Day holiday)
Traffic Information
MDOT and Hoffman Bros. continue to work on smoothing out the wrinkles of the new detour that was implemented this past Tuesday. MDOT is also working on making some changes to make the temporary traffic signals on Henry Street flash four-way red (operates like a four-way stop) during the later evening hours similar to how the traffic signals on Michigan Ave change to four-way flashing red.
A friendly reminder – City staff encourages everyone to slow down, be patient and obey the traffic signs. In addition, please do not take short-cuts through private property in an attempt to avoid the current traffic shifts/detour routes, as it is illegal and unsafe.
Pedestrian Traffic
Regarding pedestrian traffic, there are parts of the construction zone that are not open to pedestrian traffic. For example, the walkway in front of Oakwood Cemetery on the Michigan Ave side is not open to pedestrian traffic; there are signs in place that say sidewalk closed. There are also signs designating alternate pedestrian routes throughout the construction zone. Please obey the signs and seek alternate pedestrian routes that don’t include walking down the middle of re-routed traffic lanes.
Construction Activities
Hoffman Bros. crews will be continuing with material removals next week. There will also be new storm sewer installation going on the week of May 30th. Hoffman Bros. will be installing new storm sewer at the south half of the Lewis Street/Michigan Ave intersection beginning Wednesday next week. This will require a flag crew to manage the traffic; Lewis Street will remain open during this portion of the project.
Please stay tuned for updates as the Michigan Ave project progresses. The City of Saline staff will be providing a minimum of a weekly update and sometimes daily informational postings depending on what is taking place in the construction zone.
Remember to visit our local Saline businesses during and after this great project and look for the Pave It Forward logo and the fun promotions being provide by Saline Main Street and the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce.
