M-99 Construction goes downtown
Cody Ewers
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: News
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According to Project Engineer Jeff Bigelow, the state-funded project is a "full asphalt reconstruct" which includes not only resurfacing roads, but replacing water mains, storm sewers, sanitary sewers and two railroad crossings.
The third and final phase, which will finish the remaining stretch of M-99 down to the Ohio state line, is scheduled to begin early next spring.
The construction worries some Hillsdale residents because one of Hillsdale's biggest attractions, the Hillsdale County Fair, might not generate its usual crowd size if there is congested traffic.
Bigelow said that although construction will not be complete, M-99 will be open to traffic by Sept. 15-just in time for the fair. While the Michigan Department of Transportation's operation tears up Hillsdale roads, the City Council acquired a special grant which enables them to add a little facelift of their own. This will add new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and even decorative lighting to spice up the downtown area.
"The state does all the work and we will reimburse them for what we owe," City Manager Linda Brown said. MDOT tries to answer community member questions and concerns by holding meetings open to the public every two weeks at the public library.
"[MDOT] does an amazing job of keeping the public informed," Brown said. Many local businesses say that construction has not been hurting their businesses.
"It hasn't affected me, but I'll be glad when it's over," said David Kamen, owner of the downtown cigar and wine shop. "When it's done, it will be a great improvement to the city."
Cheryl Balcom, owner of The Gathering in Hillsdale, said that the construction has actually increased her business because downtown workers walk there for lunch instead of driving out to eat.
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