Maple Road reconstruction project has begun

The road reconstruction project to rebuild W. Maple Road is off to a fast and productive start, city officials in Birmingham report, and West and East Maple in the downtown area is now closed to all traffic. The road reconstruction project began in late April, and is anticipated to be completed in early September, weather dependent. Pavement has been removed from the roadway, with underground utility work underway. DTE has begun removing all of the streetlights along Maple. New ones will be installed later in the summer. Construction barriers for a pedestrian walkway are in place and sidewalks are being marked with lines, signage and decals to remind the public about social distancing. This year's project will reconstruct Maple Road between Chester and Woodward roads, along with the planned improvements at the Southfield and Maple intersection. In addition to replacing the underlying concrete pavement and asphalt overly, work will include the replacement of water and sewer, the replacement of traffic signals with mast arms at three intersections, new fiber optic conduit system, city-owned electrical system and new landscaping with irrigation. Similar to Old Woodward, the Maple Road reconstruction project is driven by the need to replace existing water mains and sewer lines. It will also enhance the aesthetics and functionality of downtown Birmingham and improve walkability. Key elements include new underground infrastructure, new streetlights, new irrigation system, improved landscaping and on-street parking, granite bench seating and cell phone charging stations, improved ADA parking and access, a new mid-block crossing for increased pedestrian safety, and the realignment of Southfield Road at Maple to reduce sharp turns and lessen congestion in the area.