The City of Sault Ste. Marie develops and updates a Capital Improvement Plan which, is a compilation of various projects to be designed and constructed for the community, over the next 5-years. Each year, during the budget process, the Engineering Department in coordination with the Public Services Department presents a list of projects to be designed and/or constructed and the City Commission approves or modifies the list as part of the budget process.
For more information on the current status of this year’s projects or if you have any questions or comments, please contact the City of Sault Ste. Marie Engineering Department at 906-632-5734.
City of Sault Ste. Marie Multiple Project Map - 2024
Current Projects
Carbide Dock Port Rehabilitation
- The Carbide Dock project replaces approximately 1,100 linear feet of the existing condemned dock structure to create a working waterfront including secure storage areas, improved stormwater management facilities, and makes a critical connection from Easterday Avenue truck route to the river front. Additionally, the project creates a public park with native landscaping, natural stormwater management, and passive recreation areas for residents and visitors alike. Bids closed on 10/28/2022. Awarded to Roen Salvage Company. Currently under construction and scheduled for completion in summer 2024.
Alford Park Expansion Project
- Alford Park is currently a condemned park space. This project aims to bring back the lack of direct river connection for visitors and create fishing access within the city. Planned expansion includes green space, fishing access, bird and freighter viewing area, parking area, pedestrian paths and park amenities, such as bike racks, picnic tables, benches and enhanced biodiversity through native landscaping. These improvements will complement the adjacent Lake Superior State University's Center for Freshwater Research and Education, along with their green stormwater infrastructure project. Our goal is for visitors/residents of all ages and abilities be able to enjoy the 4-season park, whether they arrive by foot, kayak, bicycle or private/public transportation. This project is separate from the Carbide Dock Port Rehabilitation project but will be completed during the same time frame. Scheduled for completion in Summer 2024.
Easterday Avenue Reconstruction – Ashmun St to E Portage Ave
- Easterday Avenue is a major City street that connects Carbide Dock to I-75 and is critical link for the transportation system. The project consists of 1.2 miles of roadway reconstruction and replacement of the underground infrastructure (sanitary and storm sewers, water main). In addition, approximately 1,200 lineal feet of roadway will be milled and resurfaced in Phase 3 of the project. Bids closed on 10/14/2022. Awarded to Bacco Construction Company at the January 3, 2023, City Commission Meeting. Scheduled for completion in summer 2024.
Carbide Dock Port Rehabilitation and Easterday Ave Reconstruction Public Property Owners Meeting PowerPoint
Easterday Avenue Reconstruction Phasing Map
Power Canal Trail Phase II - Non motorized trail continuation - Ashmun to Johnston Street
In partnership with MDOT, Cloverland and Private Donations. (.45 miles)
- This project, originally slated for 2022, was delayed due to emergency utility work on the canal required by Cloverland. MDOT awarded the contract to Payne & Dolan, and they have agreed to an extension of time until August 2024. We will continue to update the public on the project as cannot proceed with the project until Cloverland’s work is completed as they are working directly in the path of the trail. Total cost for 2022 before delay; $289,000.
Meridian Street (W. Easterday to 8th Ave) (.49 miles)
- Water main, sanitary sewer replacement, and roadway reconstruction will be part of the project. We have already been working with several businesses and LSSU concerning the work schedule and staging. No special assessment is expected as the project is funded through MDOT’s Small Urban Program. Elmer’s was awarded the bid by MDOT at $3.1M. The project is slated to start May 15, 2024. We are working with Elmer’s and may make Washington Way a 2-way street during construction to improve access and will publicize this if a traffic control order goes into effect. Affected property owners have received a mailer with more information.
Water Street Combined Sewer Overflow
- In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps under their 219 funding, this project would close out one of our three last remaining CSOs. This would eliminate CSO site #007 @ Water & Bingham intersection. The project includes Construct Ashmun St./Maple St. Sanitary Sewer Lift Station, Reconstruct the sanitary sewer overflow structure in the intersection of Bingham Avenue & Water Street to eliminate an 8-inch overflow connector between sanitary and storm sewer which outfalls through St Mary’s Falls Park at the Bingham Avenue & Water Street intersection, and Rehabilitate the storm drainage out fall piping (12 & 48 inch) within St Mary’s Falls Park. Total estimate still in design; $1.2M. We now have an agreement for this project and are looking at 2025 construction.
Safe Routes to School
The proposed project consists of improvements for pedestrians within the service This project consists of improvements for pedestrians within the service areas of Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Sault Area Middle School in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. There has been extensive planning on the routing and the project would also complement and continue the connection between a previous SRTS project at Bahweting Schools. Partners include the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan State University, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Sault Schools, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the City. Learn more about SRTS here: Safe Routes to School | Sault Ste. Marie Michigan (saultcity.com). The project was awarded to Hunt Bros. and is expected to start on June 3, 2024. A mailing has been sent out to the affected residents outlining the proposed construction schedule.
Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrades and Peck and Eureka Area Collection System upgrades and CSO Closure
- In partnership with EGLE the City has obtained Clean Water State Revolving Funding (CWSRF) to upgrade a failing wastewater treatment plant and upgrade the Peck and Eureka area collection system and the last 2 known CSO closures. This project includes work on 4 of the 5 major treatment processes at the treatment plant. The collection system improvements will include an area bounded to the South by Sheridan Drive, to the North by Peck Street, to the West by Meridian Street, and to the East by Fort Street. This will include CSO structures in Portage Avenue. Improvements will include sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain, and roadway reconstruction.. Total project is $35 million with construction to start late summer 2024. A public meeting is scheduled April 24th for affected residents in the collection system improvement area, and they have been sent a mailing with more information.
I-500 Project
- This project will construct new roads, a parking lot, vendor building and other upgrades that will help make the raceway venue a year-round tourist destination. The EDA investment will be matched with $513,000 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 50 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. Sault Convention & Visitors Bureau, EUP Regional Planning, and the City are working with OHM on the project design. Construction documents will be ready for bid later this year with construction anticipated fall 2025 and continued into 2025.
Sault Tribe RAISE Grant - Partnership, currently in the Planning & Design Phase.
MNRTF Rotary Park Bathroom Pavilion - Rotary Park Bathroom Pavilion, currently in the Design Phase with tentative construction in 2025.
Budget Year 2026
Riverside Drive Phase I Ferry Dock to Mission Creek Bridge
- MDOT TED Category F Grant funding.
20th Avenue
- Continuation of MDOT truck route.
- MDOT TED Category D Grant funding.
Marquette Avenue - Ashmun Street to Shunk/SRTS
- MDOT Small Urban Grant funding.
MDOT Bridge Bundling Grant Work
- Preventative Maintenance - currently in the Design Phase.
MDOT Safety Grant
- Intersection of Meridian & Easterday at LSSU - currently in the Design Phase with tentative construction in 2025
Budget Year 2028
Riverside Drive Phase II - Mission Creek Bridge to 3 Mile Road / Sugar Island Ferry
- MDOT TED Category F Grant funding.
Minneapolis Street SRTS/Marquette to Easterday Avenue
- MDOT Small Urban Grant funding.
3 Mile Road to Meijer Roundabout to Meijer
- MDOT TED Category F Grant funding.
Budget Year 2030
Bingham Avenue to Easterday Avenue to Portage Avenue /Utility issues
- MDOT Small Urban Grant funding.
Budget Year 2032
Maple/Ridge from Bingham to Osborn/include MDOT pump station work and streetscape
- MDOT Small Urban Grant funding.