Contractors are recommending that Eastbound Maple Rd. at the intersection of Old Woodward remain closed since they have encountered unexpected conditions while excavating the tired underground infrastructure in the area.
The exposure of the old line system to through traffic on Eastbound Maple has resulted in multiple breaks in the water main service, sparking a number of temporary water service shutoffs during the project. And, the 1930's era as built drawings have not been completely representative of the underground conditions, further complicating the excavation work.
By keeping Eastbound Maple closed to through traffic at the Old Woodward intersection, contractors will be able to complete the installation of the new water mains and sewers in the safest and most efficient manner possible. It will also help prepare the way for paving crews to begin the paving process, now targeted to start on May 30th. Finally, the continued closure of Eastbound Maple will then allow the crews to pave the road in full width, helping to speed up the paving process. Paving work on Maple at the Old Woodward intersection is projected to be completed by approximately June 15th, with eastbound through traffic planned to resume on or near that date.
The City appreciates your understanding and patience as it works to overcome the fluid and unexpected developments often associated with the replacement of aging underground infrastructure. Once completed, the work on this project will result in the transformation of Old Woodward below and above ground for decades to come.
The City also encourages the public to support the merchant community by visiting your favorite locations in downtown Birmingham during construction. As a reminder, parking is now free in all five of the City parking structures on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Payment is required, however, for metered, on street parking Monday-Saturday (on street parking remains free on Sundays). Finally, free, two hour valet parking (then $5 for each additional hour) Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. is available at four locations near the construction zone:
- North Old Woodward Ave. near Willits
- Henrietta near Maple
- South Old Woodward near Brown
- Hamilton Row near Ferndale
To see how some of the City initiatives and incentives for the Old Woodward Reconstruction Project are being used, please click this link to view the news story WDIV (Ch. 4) did on the project Tuesday, May 8th, 2018.
The Future of Downtown Birmingham
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