June 30, 2005 - - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in a joint effort with the city of Lansing, today announced the completion of the Capitol Loop in downtown Lansing, a project that took two years to finish, but was completed three months ahead of schedule. The project, which repaired roads and sewers and water mains around the Capitol, was completed in several stages in order to reduce inconvenience to downtown motorists, pedestrians and business owners.
"We have received numerous comments from customers expressing their thanks for a very efficient job and good communications during Capitol Loop construction," said Mark Chaput, MDOT University Region engineer. "We are extremely pleased with our contractor's work and the cooperation and patience from the driving - - and walking - - public throughout this two-year project."
This year's portion of the Capitol Loop work focused on the reconstruction of Allegan Street, Walnut Street, and various intersections.
Included in the project were streetscape improvements along Cedar and Larch streets(I-96 BL) from south of I-496 to Michigan Avenue, which enhanced this principal north/south Lansing corridor. Landscaping, decorative sidewalks and street lights were added along several pocket walls, adding a distinctive look to one of Lansing's main entrances.
MDOT's total project cost was $15.4 million.
The city's work was the first of its Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) projects in downtown Lansing, which included the installation of new storm and/or sanitary sewers to replace combined sewers that, in some locations, dated back to 1892.
The water main upgrades replaced a network that included lines originally installed in the late 1880s. The steam main replacement upgraded a network that included portions constructed in 1928.
The total cost for the city was $5.6 million.
The Capitol Loop project included $1.08 million in state telecommunication improvements in addition to private investments in gas transmission and digital cable improvements.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Capitol Loop was held on Thursday, June 30. Expected to attend were MDOT Director Gloria Jeff, Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides, prime contractor E.T. MacKenzie, and other state and local officials. Later on June 30, the contractor and MDOT forces will remove construction barricades after the evening rush hour, and the streets will be fully open to traffic.
Intermittent daytime lane closures will be needed along Allegan Street and Walnut Street until the fall to facilitate the completion of finishing touches: final restoration, plantings, and general cleanup.
For more details on the Capitol Loop, visit MDOT on the Web at www.michigan.gov/capitol-loop.
Team MDOT and You: Working together to move Michigan forward
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