By Dennis Volkert
Setup for Michigan Department of Transportation to resurface U.S. 12 in Sturgis is expected in mid-April, with work commencing May 1, city engineer Barry Cox said.
Target completion date is July 31.
The project involves a roughly two-mile segment from Centerville Road eastward to Franks Avenue. It includes an upgrade of sidewalk curb ramps and pavement marking.
MDOT also will construct gaps in the sidewalk along the south side of U.S. 12, from South Lakeview to Maplecrest Avenue.
Milling and resurfacing is expected to take place 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the downtown area, from the railroad track to South Maple, to minimize impact on business traffic. No work is scheduled to occur during the week of “Sturgis Fest,” June 24-28.
Sturgis City Commission approved the word in May 2024.
The city’s estimated share of the project costs is $48,500 including construction, construction engineering and related expenses. Although it was not budgeted specifically at the time of approval, payment will come from the city’s street and sidewalks improvement fund.
In a separate undertaking, on April 7 the city began reconstruction of St. Joseph Street.
Initially, work will focus on St. Joseph near North Nottawa, extending westward to the railroad track. Thru-traffic is not allowed within the segment. It is restricted to “local” traffic, to accommodate residents of the street.
Officials anticipate that project to conclude in late-September.
The project includes complete street and water main reconstruction; sidewalk and sidewalk ramp improvements; and some sanitary/storm replacement from North Nottawa to North Centerville.
Parrish Excavating is the city’s contractor for the St. Joseph Street project.
