Well, we have made it to Summerfest weekend. A big thank you to Hoffman Bros. and their sub-contractors for all of the work they have done to this point. And a big thank you to Hoffman Bros. for allowing the annual Summerfest event to take place downtown in the middle of the construction project. However, construction activities will continue on Friday and Saturday this weekend, during Summerfest; so please be aware and be safe while enjoying Summerfest.
To finish out this week, crews will continue to work on storm sewer and concrete curb & gutter. Additionally, sidewalks and drive approaches will be worked on today and Saturday between Davenport and Harris.
Note: The next significant traffic change is scheduled for Monday, August 15th. The Old Creek/Michigan Ave intersection is scheduled to be closed on Monday, August 15th so crews can begin removing and reconstructing the south half of the Old Creek/Maple intersection at Michigan Ave. The Maple side of the intersection will remain open. Eastbound Michigan Ave traffic will be detoured from E. Henry to Bemis Road to S. Industrial Drive to Michigan Ave. The Old Creek/Michigan Ave intersection will be closed for approximately three weeks. Additionally, the S. Ann Arbor/Michigan Ave intersection is scheduled to be closed beginning Tuesday, August 16th for approximately 10 days.
The City of Saline is selling pieces of the old street car tracks on a first come first served basis at City Hall, for those folks that would like to own a piece of Saline history. The cost is $25 for a 12” section of track; a portion of the proceeds will be used to pay for the cost of cutting up the track with the balance going towards a fundraiser to assist in paying for the new downtown streetscape.
Week of August 15th
Traffic Information
Note: The next significant traffic change is scheduled for Monday, August 15th. The Old Creek/Michigan Ave intersection is scheduled to be closed on Monday, August 15th so crews can begin removing and reconstructing the south half of the Old Creek/Maple intersection at Michigan Ave. The Maple side of the intersection will remain open. Eastbound Michigan Ave traffic will be detoured from E. Henry to Bemis Road to S. Industrial Drive to Michigan Ave. The Old Creek/Michigan Ave intersection will be closed for approximately three weeks. Additionally, the S. Ann Arbor/Michigan Ave intersection is scheduled to be closed beginning Tuesday, August 16th for approximately 10 days.
Summerfest Reminder: S. Ann Arbor Street between Michigan Ave and Henry Street will be closed beginning Friday, August 12th in the morning for Summerfest. S. Ann Arbor Street will be re-opened by 11:30pm on Saturday evening. Additionally, N. Ann Arbor from Michigan Ave to McKay Street will be closed for Summerfest beginning early morning on Saturday, August 13th. N. Ann Arbor Street will be re-opened at or before 11pm on Saturday evening. E. McKay Street will be closed from N. Ann Arbor to N. Harris Street for Summerfest also.
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. And please pause to let people out of their driveways.
Pedestrian Traffic
Access to businesses will continue to be maintained. Please follow the signs, obey the barricades, and watch your step. Pedestrian detours may change periodically for the duration of the project, depending on the specific work that is being done. Please pay attention to the pedestrian detour signs and follow them accordingly. Note: Please be cautious when navigating Summerfest activities as the contractors will be working as usual on Friday, August 12th and Saturday, August 13th.
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
Storm sewer and water main work will continue this week. More concrete curb & gutter work, as well as earth excavation and sub-base work is planned for next week.
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.
