Businesses have been working to find ways to remain accessible to customers as construction begins on Ludington Street.
Five blocks on Ludington Street are closing Thursday, in downtown Escanaba as construction work gets underway for the summer.
Initially, it was announced that construction was to start Monday, April 20, but because seasonal road restrictions prevented the movement of heavy equipment, the start of construction was delayed until April 27. However, city officials announced Wednesday that Ludington Street will be closed from 9th Street to 14th Street starting Thursday.
Despite the closures, city leaders say downtown businesses will remain open.
“Downtown businesses need our support this summer,” said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. “When this gets going, we are talking about 10 blocks of Ludington Street being closed for nearly five months. To get through this, the community needs to find ways to get to our businesses, whether its to get a haircut, order a meal or find a gift.”
Parking is going to be an issue. In addition to on-street parking off of Ludington Street, there are 12 public parking lots throughout the downtown area. Woerpel said many businesses can be reached through rear entrances, while others will continue to be accessible only from the front.
“Places like Bras that Fit can be accessed through a side door on 13th Street. Canterbury Book Store has a side door off the alley. Swedish Pantry plans to use a golf cart to move customers from the parking lot to their front door. If need be, reach out to the business you want to visit to find out how they are greeting customers during construction,” Woerpel said.
The alleys will remain open to access one-way streets and some parking areas. Sidewalks will also be open when they are not being worked on.
The DDA plans to use its website escanabadowntown.com to provide construction updates, parking information and business activities throughout the year.
The project’s primary goal is to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure beneath Ludington Street. At the same time, the city is making improvements aimed at enhancing the overall look and function of the downtown corridor.
“When the project is finished, Ludington Street will have a new look with wider sidewalks, a dedicated bike lane and a variety of streetscape features. Curb bump outs will calm traffic and the downtown will be more pedestrian-friendly,” said Woerpel.
Lead service line replacements began earlier this week for buildings on the south side of the street. Work is being done through the alleys. Those alleys will be closed as needed while crews are working.
The street closure Thursday includes 10th Street. Traffic will not be able to cross at 10th and Ludington Street. The intersection at 14th Street will remain until work is completed at 10th Street.
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