TCHDailyNews File Photo (July, 2017)
Motorists in Shawano will be relieved to hear about two-thirds of the city’s road construction is completed.
Work on N. Franklin Street by the historical society is still in progress, as is the sewer line replacement on E. Green Bay Street, which has narrowed the four lanes down to two.
“It’s always tough when you’re doing work on Green Bay Street, but this is definitely a required fix,” Director of Public Works Eddie Sheppard told the Shawano Common Council Wednesday night. “We’ve had issues with the line down there for a long time and we absolutely needed to get it done before they come and put that new pavement on in 2019.”
It’s expected that all lanes should reopen on Green Bay Street in about a week. The completion of these projects will wrap up a busy summer focused on the city’s roads.
“When you include some of the TIF work, Engel Drive and some of the other streets, we did over $2 million in street reconstruction, which is by far more than we’ve ever done,” Sheppard said. “I give a lot of credit to [Assistant Public Works Coordinator Scott Kroening] and the way he’s coordinated with the contractors to get it all done and improve our city streets.”
Sheppard says the work this year will provide a lot of benefit to the city long term to stretch out the life of the pavement.
While the department of public works is putting the finishing touches on Shawano’s road work for the season, Shawano Police Chief Dan Maul reminds motorists it’s illegal to be on your phone in construction zones, including where the road narrows on Green Bay Street.
“That means you can’t have it up to your ear and talk on the phone,” Chief Mauel explained. “Let’s put the devices down and pay attention to the roads so that we don’t injure or kill a road worker.”