Construction has resumed on South Westnedge Avenue from Romence Road to Mall Drive. On Thursday, September 27 at 9 PM, the intersection of South Westnedge Avenue and Romence Road will be closed. On Friday, September 28 at 8 AM, final paving of South Westnedge Avenue will begin. Paving will continue until sunset on Friday evening and resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 29 until complete. Striping of the roadway is expected to occur early the week of October 1, following which the road will be fully opened to traffic.
The work will involve periodic closures of certain commercial driveways along the easterly side of South Westnedge Avenue, as well as the intersection at Romence Road. Motorists are seriously advised to seek alternate routes A detour will be posted using Lovers Lane, Milham Avenue, South Westnedge Avenue, Shaver Road and East Centre Avenue.
The final paving will be performed during the daytime, rather than overnight, due to the low temperatures predicted overnight. Paving during warmer daytime temperatures is expected to improve the finished product and longevity of the pavement.
The City of Portage appreciates the continued patience of the public, and especially the merchants along South Westnedge Avenue, during this extended delay resulting from the labor dispute between the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and the International Union of Operating Engineers #324.
Questions can be addressed by calling the Department of Transportation & Utilities at (269) 329-4405.