Abby Klarr/Collegian
Local business owners, like Rosie of Oakley, are not concerned about the effects of Hillsdale Street construction, which is slated to last until mid-November.
Though the tree leaves on Hillsdale Street have yet to turn to the vibrant colors of fall, most Hillsdale College students have probably noted the new orange of Hillsdale Street—the orange of construction signs and barrels. Hillsdale Street is currently undergoing a massive project to overhaul the road and give it a much-needed renovation just north of M-99.
“The Hillsdale Street project will be completely reconstructed, including new storm sewers and the reconstruction of the railroad crossing,” Janet Foran of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) said. “The anticipated conclusion of the project is mid-November of 2005.”
Construction began earlier this month with detour and warning signs popping up all over streets. Students can expect to see the main length of Hillsdale Street ripped up all the way to Galloway Drive before it is finished.
Construction on M-99 will begin in mid-April 2006, and is expected to be completed by late September 2006, Foran said.
“MDOT will be reconstructing M-99, including a new concrete curb and gutter, the replacement of the water main and a signal upgrade at Fayette,” Foran said. “They will also be widening M-99 for a center left turn lane at the intersection of Fayette and M-99.”
The new changes are intended to increase the safety of the intersection and enhance the road quality of M-99.
Foran said MDOT anticipates changes to cost the city of Hillsdale $2.4 million for M-99, and $400,000 to improve Hillsdale Street.
Foran recommended that students check the MDOT website for continuous updates on Hillsdale construction and when planning road trips in Michigan. The MDOT Web site (http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/) is kept current with road closures and construction information.
The Hillsdale Street construction has been met with mixed reactions from students—some express annoyance at the detour and others express relief at the much-needed repairs.
“I am very disappointed that I have not been able to drive down the street,” freshman Steve Petrie said.
For the most part, though, students accept and are glad for the change.
“I know that it needed to be repaired,” freshman Danielle Cook said. “Driving down that street was ridiculous – I thought I was going to blow a tire.”
Local businesses along the stretch of affected road are not too worried about the impact the construction may have on their customers.
“The road is open to local traffic,” Maryann “Rosie” Ruzicka, owner of Oakley! Deli, said. “We’re still open for business. It may not always be fun getting here, but we’ll be here.”
Other businesses along Hillsdale Street also expressed positive feedback.
“It is harder for people to get here, but the college kids know how to get here and they usually walk anyway,” Teresa Reed owner of Attitudes salon said. “I’ll be calling all of our out-of-town business to give them directions on how to get here. It’s really not going to be a big problem.”
Minor construction to repair a broken water pipe caused local businesses along the stretch of Hillsdale Street between M-99 and Fayette Road to close shop early Wednesday evening on September 14 for a temporary water shut-off.
Ruzicka said the water shut-off was “really just a tiny glitch.”
Reed agreed, saying the temporary lack of water is “bad for us now, but won’t last long. It’s something they needed to do.”