Grosse Pointe Shores

Shores plans spring road repairs

By K. Michelle Moran
C & G Staff Writer

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Winter is usually the only time of year road construction is on hold in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still in the works.

City officials are gearing up for paving repairs starting next spring on Lochmoor, Sunningdale, Hampton and Oxford.

City Manager Mark Wollenweber said the Shores came in under budget on this year’s Lake Shore project in an amount “close to six figures,” so that’s money that could be applied toward what the engineers at Hubbell, Roth & Clark estimated would be a $560,000 project. With a 10 percent construction contingency and estimated engineering costs of $64,000, the total price tag comes to $680,000, according to a memo from the engineers.

The project includes milling and full-depth base repairs for portions of the chosen roads, as well as a new surface coat over the entire length of these roads.

When the council approved its 2012-13 budget in May, it earmarked 1.5 mills — partially funded through a 1.24-mill, one-year increase — for road repair.

There’s about $200,000 in the road fund now, and City Council member Bruce Bisballe said they should have another $400,000-$500,000 available by the time of the project. If they come up short, he said they could use some of the city’s fund balance to cover the difference.

“We made a commitment as a council to go forward with roadwork,” Bisballe said.

Plans and specifications should be done by Feb. 15, with the council expected to vote on bids April 16. The work is scheduled to begin May 15, and Mayor Ted Kedzierski said it should be complete by July 31, 2013.

Public Works Director Brett Smith said this is good news for residents.

“We’ve been talking about (fixing) Lochmoor for years, and I’m just grateful we’re finally going to get that done,” he said.

At a Nov. 20 City Council meeting, the council voted unanimously in favor of signing a letter of intent that enables Wollenweber to seek bids for the project. Those bids will likely be advertised in March, after all of the plans have been finalized.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at kmoran@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1047.