Plymouth City Center Construction Almost Complete
For the last four months, getting around Plymouth Boulevard near Plymouth City Hall has been challenging, according to folks who frequent the area.
“We were talking to a friends at the synagogue and they’re like, ‘oh yeah, you have to go this way, and this way, and this way,'” said Ethan Roberts, who was at City Hall on Thursday to cast an early vote. “And so I’m glad that I had that conversation with them because, yeah, we went past here whooped around and… okay.”
Since June, streets, sidewalks and intersections on this stretch of road between Highway 55 and Rockford Road have all been undergoing a massive transformation that folks, for better or for worse, have had to accept.
“You have to be even-keeled about these things, right? Like, anytime something better happens, there’s inconvenience,” said Roberts.
Once it’s all said and done, Plymouth city officials say this project will help make the area easier to walk, ride your bike and drive your car thanks to the addition of four roundabouts.
“Roundabouts help with traffic-calming, they slow down vehicles, they make it easier for pedestrians and bikers to navigate the corridor, we’re excited about adding those roundabouts and beautifying this corridor,” said Joseph Shamla, Plymouth’s assistant city engineer.
A drone shot of the construction near Plymouth City Hall. Photo courtesy: City of Plymouth.
The construction forced the city to cancel its annual parade, and people have had to find detours to access the surrounding businesses.
“Yeah I want to thank the residents and visitors for their patience during this project,” Shamla added. “This has been pretty inconvenient for some people that visit.”
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Construction crews have made significant progress and the current phase of the project will be wrapping up in two weeks. That means, folks will soon be able to access city hall from Rockford Road while contractors work on the last phase of construction near the post office.
The goal is to finish by the end of November.
“We’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving on a brand new road, yes,” said Shamla.
Information that’s music to the ears of folks like Roberts.
“I generally think that Plymouth is a great place to live, and looking forward to what this road looks like when they’re done,” Roberts said.
Meanwhile, it’s not just Plymouth Boulevard that’s being reconstructed. Crews are also working on a new entrance to the Hilde Performance Center.
Related: City of Plymouth Plans Reconstruction of Plymouth Boulevard This Summer
