Old Woodward Avenue Project To Enhance Downtown

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Infrastructure and aesthetic improvements are coming to Birmingham’s section of Old Woodward Avenue. Below and above-ground work is expected to start next spring and finish sometime i the summer.

“The infrastructure in our downtown is among the oldest in the city,” said Birmingham City Engineer Paul O’Meara, noting that some of the pipes date back to the late 1800’s. “We recognize that this project will be painful in the short-term with the temporary construction disruptions, however, we believe that this necessary work will result in a better downtown core in the long run.”

The city recently issued a Request for Proposal for the project and hopes to have a contractor selected in January. The project will enhance Old Woodward Avenue between Brown and Oakland streets in the city’s downtown core.

“This is an ideal time of year to bid a project of this nature prior to the wave of construction industry bidding next January and February,” said O’Meara. “We anticipate high interest in the contracting community to take on a job of this size and scope.”

Anticipated underground improvements include:
· A new water main for improved flow of water while reducing the possibility of a water main breaks.
· New combined sewers as well as improvements to existing sewers with the installation of new sewer linings.
· New streetlights and traffic signals.
· New irrigation to enhance tree and landscape growth.
· A separate electric system to enhance lighting options as well as conveniences such as mobile device charging stations.
· Installation of a fiber optic system that will be available for future use by suppliers and provide flexible adaptation for future technologies while reducing the need for future digging.

In addition to the underground improvements, the public will experience an array of above ground enhancements on Old Woodward:
· Wide mid-block crosswalks.
· A planted median in the roadway in selected areas.
· Modernized sidewalks that will allow for improved handicap access.

Photo by Ken Lund via Flickr Commons