When the intersection at 14th Street and Ludington closed last week, the one at 10th opened — in line with an earlier assurance to citizens that both relatively major junctions would not be inaccessible at the same time.

Any vehicles or pedestrians passing the Ludington and 10th intersection yesterday may have noticed cement trucks on the newly-repaved 10th, delivering material to a crew clad in high visibility gear who worked to install one of the new “bumpouts” under the late June sun.

The bumpouts, designed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances, are positioned at certain corners of Ludington Street. They are areas where the sidewalk widens, thereby narrowing the roadway and theoretically encouraging drivers to slow down.

Road closures during the redevelopment are only one symptom; water pressure loss (and sometimes shutoff) is another. The main reason for all the work is to replace water mains and sanitary sewer lines; the new Ludington streetscape is nearly incidental, but had been sought for a while.

People crossing 10th Street, as seen here Tuesday afternoon, will have fewer lanes of traffic to cross once this new bumpout is completed. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

In order to answer the public’s questions and provide details on upcoming developments and how to deal with the current project, the City of Escanaba is hosting an informational meeting this evening at 6 p.m. at City Hall (410 Ludington St).

Such informational meetings have been held on the first Wednesday of each month and involve relevant city staff and C2AE engineering staff.

On the sandy space between the sixth and 10th block of Ludington, only construction vehicles and heavy machinery are presently permitted. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

One worker takes a moment to flash a peace sign at the camera while on site at the intersection of Ludington and Tenth Streets during ongoing improvements to the main street and its infrastructure. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

On Wednesday and Thursday, two blocks of 15th Street and an adjoining piece of Seventh Avenue will be closed. (Courtesy of City of Escanaba)

Recently paved sidewalks are seen at the intersection of Ludington and Sixth Streets. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Sidewalk bumpouts reduce the distance of pedestrian crossings. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)