Idaho Avenue Reconstruction-Portage, Michigan

Wightman provided design and construction engineering services for the reconstruction of Idaho Avenue from Oregon Avenue to S. Westnedge Avenue in Portage, Michigan. 

Idaho Avenue is a bustling local street in the City of Portage and one of the major roads that serve Portage Northern Schools and the adjacent athletic facilities. The area is also surrounded by single- and multi-family residences.  The roadway receives a significant amount of traffic during school and athletic events which results in random on-street parking, excessive speeds, and increased traffic counts certain times of the day. In addition to the traffic concerns, storm water management issues also needed to be addressed.

In the design aspect of the project, Wightman and the City of Portage were able to plan and construct a project that followed the Complete Streets standards and serves as a benchmark example for future local street projects.  Through the use of geometric design, on-street parking with bulb-outs, new curb and gutter, and improved landscaping the City was able to obtain the desired traffic calming effect.  In addition, the City was able to address the storm water management needs through the use of new curb, gutter, and infiltration storm water system.

The project required strict completion dates and construction staging to minimize impacts to the Portage Northern schools and athletic events.