100 block to open by weekend
Read more: Local
HOUGHTON -- The first bricks were laid on Shelden Avenue Wednesday, the final step in the renovation of the 100 block that started in early May. Construction is expected to go through November, which includes replacing the water and sanitary sewers.
Some residents and downtown merchants say they've enjoyed watching Shelden Avenue evolve from asphalt to brick.
"This is amazing," said Houghton resident Buck Foltz. "They've really done a nice job, went a lot quicker than I thought it would. And it looks great."
The old roadway was ripped up just a month ago. Water and sanitary sewers were replaced, four inches of asphalt was laid down, and now crews are focusing on bricks.
"We're excited to open it back up to people so they can see we're making progress," said Bocco Construction's Project Supervisor, Mike Momont. "And hopefully we can continue this schedule right on down the street."
Crews from Arrows Construction in Negaunee lay about 12 bricks per minute. They plan to finish 75 to 100 feet of the roadway a day, through the week. Their goal is to have the first two blocks on Shelden open to traffic by Bridgefest weekend, June 19 and 20.
One business owner said construction hasn't affected his customer traffic at all.
"A lot of local people and people in the area have made an effort to actually stop down because they were worried about the businesses," said owner of the Downtowner Lounge, Tom Romps. "So, it's worked out very well."
Other business owners say people have stopped in to shop after coming downtown to check out the construction.
Meanwhile, on the 300 block of Shelden Avenue, crews are drilling through large rocks before replacing the water and sanitary sewer there.
