We are over a month into spring and to most people that means sunshine, budding trees and flowers and more pleasant weather. To us it means a busier time with a multitude of work including, but not limited to, the opening of parks and beaches, the cleaning of streets and multiuse paths and, of course, construction.
Our two major road projects have been put out for bids and the US41/M28 Bypass and Seventh Street project have already been awarded. In case you didn’t get a chance to see one of my earlier reports, this project involves two roundabouts on the bypass, a third one on Baraga near the new hospital construction site as well as the re-construction of Seventh Street as it nears the bypass intersection. The other major road project involves the building of three more roundabouts in north Marquette. Two on Wright Street at the Lincoln Avenue and Sugarloaf Avenue intersections with the third at Presque Isle and Fair Avenues.
I apologize to all of you for the traffic congestion that this might cause but, in the end, it will vastly improve the traffic flow and safety for all who traverse our City streets and sidewalks.
I have mentioned in previous musings the many projects that have or will be occurring in the City and it seems that more are coming in every day. I’d like to take credit but the truth is that Marquette has taken on a life of its own. What staff and the City Commission can take credit for is recognizing the opportunities when they come. It seems that each new project is something a little out of the ordinary, causing all of us to think a little differently than we normally do.
A common theme among many cities in Michigan is that we should be looking at creative ways of accomplishing the success of the City. In other words, make it easier and more attractive for people to live, work and develop here. I’m thankful that the City Commission and staff see it that way as well.
-Mike