More Street Projects News—The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is projecting an October 1, 2008 completion date for its extensive St. Johns/Business Route US 27 reconstruction project. 90% of the project will be complete by mid-September.

Currently crews are doing base and leveling work along this route. The road detour has been eliminated as large sections of this project are now open to through traffic. Ongoing concrete patchwork should be completed on BR US 27 south of Sturgis by the end of the first week of September. Top courses of asphalt are being set down as shoulder and curb work are completed. Sidewalks and driveway approaches will be installed along the business route where required.

Once contractors pull their equipment and materials from the main staging area, Railroad Street will again be opened so that vehicular traffic can use this city street to access the downtown area from BR US 27.

As a second reminder, at the intersection of M-21 and BR US 27 the traffic signals will no longer have a green "go" arrow for left turns. Drivers making left turns will now have to wait until oncoming traffic has safely cleared the intersection before completing their turn. Based on early observations, this change has improved traffic flow.

The Oakland Street reconstruction project is winding down. Curb, gutter and driveway approaches have been completed. Proper sub-base has been put down in anticipation of asphalt paving. Sidewalks will be installed on both the east and west sides of the street. Restoration of disturbed property will be completed during the final phase. This will include re-seeding of green areas and the planting of trees.

City Awards Contract—At the August 25^th City Commission meeting, the City awarded a public works contract to Youngstrom Construction for the build-out of an all-season public road off of M-21 near the Mahle Corp. facility. This road will in part serve Mahle’s next plant expansion and advance other economic opportunities in the area. Construction of this roadway should begin sometime in September with completion anticipated by November 15^th, 2008.

School Days Upon Us—With the school year beginning next week, please remember to drive safely in school zones. During the fall season especially, more students walk and ride bikes to their schools.