Scio Church Road Construction Delayed to Sept 2021, Completed in Spring 2022

Jul 9, 2021 | Construction, Ward 4 News

Earlier this year, the City announced that construction on Scio Church Road would begin in July 2021. See my previous post here:
https://www.a2elnel.com/post/scio-church-road-improvements-to-start-july-2021

On July 6, 2021, I was informed by the City that the Scio Church project will now take place over two construction seasons due to delays and coordination with the hauling operations of the Churchill Downs Basin project. Construction will now start in September with water main transfers and all concrete work, including the reconstruction of the S Maple/Scio Church intersection. The 2021 work will require a detour and allows for only one lane of eastbound traffic between S. Maple and S. Seventh.

In Spring 2022, City staff will do the milling and paving. This work will not require a detour and one lane in both directions will be maintained under traffic control.

The City has information about the Scio Church project here:
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/Pages/Scio-Church-Road-Resurfacing-and-Water-Main-Relocation-Project-.aspx

I posted previously about a public meeting in Jan 2020 for this project:
https://www.a2elnel.com/post/scio-church-improvements-public-meeting-jan-29th
https://www.a2elnel.com/post/scio-church-road-improvements-to-start-july-2021

I posted an update from July 2021 about the Churchill Downs project here:
https://www.a2elnel.com/post/churchill-downs-park-stormwater-basin-update-july-7-2021


From the City’s website:

Tentative Construction Schedule:

  • September – November 2021 S. Maple intersection, water main transfers, and concrete work
  • April – June 2022 milling and paving

The 2021 work will require a detour and allows for only one lane of eastbound traffic between S. Maple and S. Seventh, whereas the 2022 work will not require a detour and one lane in both directions will be maintained under traffic control.

Project limits

Scio Church Road between S. Maple Road and S. Seventh Street

Why is this project being done?

Some existing water service and hydrants are on existing water mains that are undersized and require repair. These leads will be transferred to the larger water main across the street. Also, the current condition of the pavement is poor and in need of replacement.

Work to be done:

  • The existing water main leads will be relocated to the larger water main to increase capacity.
  • The existing pavement will be replaced from S. Maple to S. Seventh.
  • Some existing curb, sidewalk and ramps will be replaced for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
  • Some storm water improvements will be done throughout the project, as well as within the median between Scio Church Road and the service drive between Greenview Drive and S Seventh Street similar to the median east of S Seventh Street.
  • Some safety improvement features will be installed including new bike lanes, filling sidewalk gaps, and installing new crosswalks. Three new crosswalks will be installed in between Covington and Old Pear Tree Ct, near Churchill Drive, and near Mershon Drive. In addition, a connection sidewalk between Yeoman Court and Scio Church will be installed.
  • Link to plans submitted to MDOT (link updated April 2022) https://www.a2gov.org/departments/engineering/Documents/Scio%20Church%20Road%20Imp%209-7-21%20Half%20Size.pdf

Possible impact to residents:

  • Scio Church Road will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the construction. Driveway access for local traffic will be maintained, but may include delay during working hours. Cross street traffic will be maintained as much as possible.
  • Water service will be interrupted for short durations during water main relocation for a few residents. Disruptions will be limited, and residents will be informed in advance.
  • General noise and dust from equipment, particularly during site excavation.

Costs and funding source

City Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage, Federal Funding, Storm Utility Funds, and Drinking Water Funds will fund the majority of the work on this project. New sidewalks adjacent to taxable properties will be funded by the New Sidewalk Millage which was approved in the November 2020 election.

Scio Church Road Ann Arbor improvements map Jan 2020