City readies for utility phase of Johnson/Water Street project

HART — As the Johnson/Water Street improvement project draws near, officials plan to meet next week for a pre-construction conference.

Reconstruction of Johnson Street, from State Street to Peach Street near the Hart Public Schools campus, and resurfacing of Water Street, from Johnson Street to Lincoln Street, take place this summer. The $798,000 project also includes water, sewer and electric upgrades and sidewalk replacements.

City staff, engineers, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials, utility company representatives and Hallack Contracting officials will meet next week to discuss city water, sewer and electric installation and to coordinate work with gas, telephone and cable utilities. The seven-week utility phase is scheduled for June 8 through July 28.

“Underground improvements will be disruptive to the neighborhoods and school campus, so plan now for alternate routes and overnight parking,” advises Hart City Manager Stan Rickard in a press release. “The city hall/library parking lots will be available for overnight parking, and other nearby parking lots may be available to you. The city has already advised 911 and Oceana County Emergency Management Services (EMS) about this project. Prein & Newhof engineers will be on site daily to monitor construction activities on behalf of the city, and they may contact you directly about work near your property. Thank you in advance for your patience during this temporary inconvenience. We hope you enjoy the long-term improvement.”