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on the newly reconstructed segment of US-41 (Quincy Street) in Hancock today as city officials,
downtown businesspeople, and MDOT and contractor representatives look on. (MDOT photo)
With only some minor elements remaining, the Quincy Streetscape project is complete.
Motorists began driving the full length of the US-41 trunkline through downtown Hancock last week, but city officials and representatives from MDOT got together Tuesday to perform an official ribbon cutting ceremony outside of city hall.
The project was finished within the deadlines and on budget.
MDOT Construction Engineer Al Anderson said, “The project went very smoothly. The contractor that we had, which was Hebert Construction, did a very good job. They planned well and had work forces to meet the challenge and aggressive schedule.”
The project began in April and included a full reconstruct of Quincy Street and part of Reservation Street…new sidewalks and curb bump outs…plus some water and sewer work done by the city.
The $7.1 million dollar investment is expected to pay dividends for Hancock.
State Representative Scott Dianda said, “This is an economic development for the city of Hancock. It’s wonderful. To looking at a new streetscape, we’re going to have more attractions for more businesses to come in. The street is viable in taking on another great look.”
Landscaping and permanent street lighting will be completed in the next few weeks.
A second phase of the project includes rebuilding Front Street from the Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Reservation Street and the ramp to M-26 that runs underneath next year.
Here is a press release from MDOT:
November 1, 2016 — The City of Hancock and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) marked the reopening of US-41 in Hancock today, as this summer’s streetscape project winds down.
“We realize it’s been a long summer of construction,” said Al Anderson, project manager for MDOT’s Ishpeming Transportation Service Center. “We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by the downtown merchants and the motorists who have had to deal with road closures and a detour. We’re very pleased with the outcome – we think the final product was well worth the wait.”
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon, officials observed the reopening of the roadway to traffic following final paving. The streetscape project represents a $7.1 million investment in Hancock’s downtown US-41 (Quincy Street) business district, a major gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula.
“The city appreciates MDOT’s significant investment in the reconstruction of Quincy Street, securing a strong and vibrant business climate now and into the future,” said Hancock Mayor Lisa McKenzie.
The project, which began in April, involved removing and replacing the existing roadway along with drainage improvements and curb bump-outs. The pavement work has an anticipated 20-year fix life. In addition to MDOT’s work, the City of Hancock invested $1.1 million to replace water and sanitary sewer lines on Quincy Street as part of the project.
“This project required a great deal of collaboration between MDOT and the city,” said MDOT’s Anderson. “That partnership was the real key to its success.”
While final paving wrapped up last week, streetscape work, including decorative street lighting and landscape plantings, are expected to continue until mid-November.
The Hancock project still has one major phase remaining to complete. MDOT will reconstruct Front Street between Reservation Street and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and the southbound US-41 connector ramp to eastbound M-26 in 2017. That work is scheduled to be completed by July 2017.
