“The reconstruction of historic Saginaw St. in downtown Flint has been many years in the making, and I’m proud of our Department of Public Works for all of the work they’ve put in to bring this project to fruition,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is providing about $2.3 million in funding for the project, while the City of Flint’s Major Roads Fund will contribute $3.4 million. An additional $2 million from the federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN Act) will fund the replacement of the 12-inch water main under Saginaw St.
Over a two-year period, this project will restore Saginaw St. brick-by-brick and upgrade all underground utilities from Court St. to the Flint River. This work will include the water main replacement, electrical upgrades, running conduits for lights and meters, as well as the replacement of two gas mains.
In addition, the project will replace 80-90% of the sidewalks along Saginaw St. as well as all tree grates. The intersections will be repaved with brick-stamped concrete to reduce wear and tear on the road, since vehicles push the bricks to the side when they turn at intersections. All-new ADA-compliant ramps and paved concrete street crossings will also make Saginaw St. more accessible.
