Mission Street construction at halfway point; project going smoothly
Phase one of the Mission Street construction is almost finished, and phase two has begun.
MDOT Spokeswoman Anita Richardson said the $2 million project to improve the 3.1 mile stretch from South Mission Street to North Mission Road is about at the halfway mark.
"(We're doing) night work to help lessen the impacts to both businesses and the traveling public," said Brian Atkinson, Mount Pleasant Transportation Service Center engineer.
Starting today construction will begin on the second phase of the project — from High Street to North Mission Road.
Construction on phase one, the stretch of Mission Street south of High Street, is almost finished.
"We just got a slight overlap on that phase one more than likely due to weather," Richardson said.
Richardson said there has been no change in budget, and use of the money received from federal and state funding has not fluctuated.
Phase two of construction will continue in the same way as phase one.
"We're going to do this road work using lane closures and traffic shifts," Richardson said.
Richardson said feedback about the project has been positive.
"I did receive one call," she said. "Someone told me ... it's beautiful, and that they were really surprised at the extent of the improvement."
Atkinson said the road work itself is an inch-and-a-half overlay on the road, designed to prolong the life of the road.
He said Mission Street was easier to fix now, rather than waiting for the road to deteriorate.
In addition to the resurfacing work, Richardson said road improvements will also include joint repairs and sidewalk and ramp upgrades to comply with the American with Disabilities Act.
Mount Pleasant senior Ashlii Barlow said she dislikes the construction itself, but is pleased with the results so far.
"I like the roads now," she said. "It's a lot better than it was before, and it's easier on my car."
Atkinson said the road work has gone smoothly so far, and he expects it to continue in the same manner.
"We anticipate it to go smoothly just because of the coordination effort," he said.
