BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — City contractor crews, from Balkema Excavating, will begin the second phase of the new water main installation project, as they work to pulverize a section of the eastbound lane of Beckley Road starting tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 9.
The following section of Beckley Road will undergo pulverization and be closed to thru traffic:
- Eastbound lane of Beckley Road, from Helmer Road South to Minges Road South
Until the pulverization of the roadway is complete, no thru traffic will be allowed along this section of Beckley Road except for neighbors living along this stretch of roadway, for access to and from their homes.
Due to the closure of this section of Beckley Road to thru traffic, the following recommended detour route will be in place:
- Eastbound Beckley Road traffic: Turn left on Helmer Road South, turn right on Columbia Avenue, turn right on Riverside Drive, and then turn left to resume eastbound on Beckley Road
During the pulverization process, crews will work along specific sections of roadway to allow neighbors ease of access to and from their homes. Once the roadway has been completely pulverized, the eastbound lane of Beckley Road will be similar to a gravel road surface.
This section of Beckley Road is an active construction site. Neighbors and drivers are asked to not touch or move any barricades or traffic control signage, as doing so could lead to unintended accidents.
Work hours will generally be from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. during this phase of the project. Crews expect the work of installing the new water main along Beckley Road to be completed by mid-November.
As a reminder, this project will include removing the existing asphalt; installing new water main, fire hydrants, and water services to the right of way; and then finally repaving with new asphalt. Due to a water main material shortage, this project that was originally planned in 2022 was delayed until 2023.
There are currently no water main connections to the city’s water system in this area. Neighbors in this area wishing to connect their home to the city’s water system should contact the city’s Engineering Division at, 269-966-3343. The engineering team will be able to walk neighbors through what that process entails, including pricing to connect their home.
We appreciate everyone’s patience during all work on our city’s infrastructure.
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