Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Workers are finishing repairs and adjustments to the detour route this week for the Main Street (state Highway 22) reconstruction route in Clintonville.
Main Street will be closed from 10th to 13th streets beginning at 6 a.m. Monday. Workers plan to begin removing the surface of the street and cutting the sidewalk. They will also begin installation of sanitary sewer and water next week.
During the closure, traffic will be detoured via Seventh Street, Lyon Street, 12th Street, SSGT Warren Hansen Drive and state Highway 156. Tenth Street will be open; the intersection at 13th Street will not be. The area south of the Pigeon River Bridge will not be affected now.
An inspector will begin checking the conditions of basements in the area. A video will be made of the inside of the basement to keep track of any cracking that might occur because of the work being done.
The Department of Transportation will hold weekly meetings for the public at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Community Center, 30 S. Main St., to keep them informed of the project’s progress.
Clintonville Public Works Director Toby Kersten suggests that residents check the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce website (http://www.clintonvillewichamber.com) for updates. Completion is expected in October.
Businesses will be open as usual on Clintonville’s Main Street during the reconstruction. Some will have rear entrances available as well.
The entrance to the Community Center will remain open temporarily, and the farmers market will continue. Eventually the market and Community Center will be accessed from the driveway off 10th Street.
The Main Street project, estimated to cost up to $5 million, is being done in two phases. The work beginning next week is the first phase. The second phase includes the section between 13th Street and Green Tree Road, which is scheduled for 2017, but might occur as early as 2016 if federal funds become available.
The project includes replacement of the Pigeon River Bridge; reconstruction of Main Street including pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer, street lighting, and traffic signals; replacement of water and sewer; along with modifications to several intersections to improve safety.