City Sets Public Hearing for McClure Road Construction

The public is invited to attend a public information open house regarding the reconstruction of McClure Bridge Road and the Irvindale Roundabout at 6 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 4, in the community meeting room at Duluth City Hall.

The city plans to rebuild McClure Bridge Road and add curb, gutter and sidewalks on both sides of the road. A new roundabout also will be added near the old Joan Glancy Hospital.

Project Manager Melissa Muscato said the roundabout will improve traffic flow without adding a signal at the spot where West Lawrenceville Street, Irvindale Road, McClure Bridge Road and the future Hospital Connector will intersect. Pedestrian crosswalks will be located in safe locations just outside of the roundabout.

Muscato said, "the meeting is primarily for residents that live on or near McClure Bridge Road or the intersection of Irvindale Road and West Lawrenceville Street, but all interested residents are invited to attend. There is a lot of traffic on that road and anyone that uses it is welcome to come and ask questions."

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the Duluth staff, elected officials, engineering consultants, the construction team and to view plans, ask questions and find out more about the schedule and phasing of the project.

Four bids have been received on the project with the lowest total bid coming from CMES, Inc. which bid $$1,337,978.50 to do the work on McClure Bridge Road and $704,365.50 for the roundabout for a total bid package of $2,042,354.00. UREY Co., LLC submitted the second lowest total bid of $2,074,895.00.

Muscato said the city expects to begin construction the first week in August with an estimated completion date in April 2012.