Michigan Technological University has begun construction of a new parking lot located on the corner of Garnet Street and Seventh Avenue in Houghton.
Overview
- Standard Commuter parking permits
- 340 parking spaces
- Project is scheduled to be paved and finished in May 2024
Timeline
The University has hired a contractor, Bacco Construction, to oversee the project. Bacco Construction will be addressing this project throughout the fall 2023, and spring 2024, with a pause during the winter months. During the winter pause, the project will have a gravel pad on the lot and be prepared and equipped to handle spring water run-off. The parking lot will be completed around the end of May next year.
Water Management
Plans for this parking lot include diverting water runoff away from the older and smaller storm sewer on Clark Street and into a larger and newer system located in Vivian Street. This plan will improve drainage, helping to mitigate future issues that may negatively impact the surrounding area.
Tree Removal
The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Tech conducted a site review of the trees before construction commenced. During the review, it was determined that no trees on-site were considered old-growth and some were invasive. Harvested trees not large enough to be used for lumber or pulp will be chipped and shipped to the L’Anse Warden Biomass power plant to help generate power.
Microblasting
Property owners and residents in the area surrounding the project may have received a letter in the mail from SX Blasting regarding microblasting that will occur during this project. SX Blasting is a subcontractor responsible for this step of the project, and will be conducting a series of blasts to remove rock from the construction site. Microblasting will begin on Monday, October 16. No more than two blasts will occur each day to minimize neighborhood disruptions. While you may experience noise and minor ground vibration during this process, we would like to reassure you that these controlled blasts are safe. Prior to the beginning of each blast, SX Blasting will sound a horn three times. When the blasting operation is over, a horn will sound once. Blasting will likely continue through November 3.