Three neighborhood streets on Jackson’s west side with crumbling pavement and outdated sidewalks are getting big overhauls this fall as an ongoing street improvement project continues. Thompson, Durand and Higby streets between Carlton Boulevard and W. Michigan Avenue will all see improved sidewalks, new sidewalk ramps, repaired curbs and fresh pavement.
The resurfacing project is starting Monday, Aug. 31 and is expected to wrap up in early Oct. The first step is removing sidewalk ramps, hazardous sections of sidewalk and damaged curbs. Once the concrete replacement work is complete, crews will start work to resurface the streets. A new single layer of hot mix asphalt will be applied to the road surface.
The City’s Engineering Division has been working on resurfacing residential streets in Jackson’s west side neighborhood over the past two years. In fall 2018, nearly one mile of S. Grinnell Street was resurfaced. The project intensified during the 2019 construction season, as crews resurfaced large sections of Thompson, Durand and Higby streets. These final sections being worked on this fall marks the completion of the resurfacing project.
The resurfacing work on these three streets intersects the ongoing effort to fully reconstruct W. Franklin Street with new underground infrastructure, sidewalks and roadway. “With large improvements often reserved for high traffic areas, we’re excited to bring new streets to a residential neighborhood,” said City of Jackson Public Information Officer Aaron Dimick. “Crews will complete pavement work on W. Franklin Street soon so residents will have access to homes and the area is not overwhelmed with construction.”
Residents who want to receive construction updates through phone and email messages should email Assistant City Engineer Troy White. That email address can also be used for questions and comments about the project. Residents may also call the Engineering Division with questions at 517-788-4160.