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 - 2026
Current Projects
Power Canal Trail – Phase II
Non-motorized trail continuation from Ashmun Street to Johnston Street
In partnership with MDOT, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, and private donors (0.45 miles)
Originally planned for 2022, this trail extension was delayed due to emergency utility work on the canal by Cloverland. The project has since been re-bid, and MDOT awarded the construction contract to Payne & Dolan. Work is scheduled to begin in Summer/Fall 2026.
Estimated project cost (2022): $289,000.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades – Phase I
Peck & Eureka Area Collection System Upgrades and CSO Closures
Funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) in partnership with EGLE
Phase I focuses on critical upgrades to four of the five major treatment processes at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as the closure of the final two CSO sites in the Peck/Eureka neighborhood.
Project area: Sheridan Drive (South) to Peck Street (North), and Meridian Street (West) to Fort Street (East).
Improvements include new sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain, and full roadway reconstruction.
Construction began in Fall 2024 near the outfall by the Community Gardens and continued into nearby neighborhoods. Scheduled for completion in Summer/Fall 2026. Total project cost: $35 million.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades – Phase II
Power Canal Sanitary Collection System Upgrades and CSO Closure
Funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) – EGLE partnership
Phase II continues essential facility and collection system improvements. Work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant includes:
- Rehabilitation of the preliminary, primary, and secondary treatment areas
- Upgrades to the service building, digester complex, and administration building
- Construction of a new chemical feed building
- Structural, process, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades
Collection system improvements will include replacement of a 24-inch sanitary sewer line from Kimball Street to Johnston Street, and sewer lining and manhole rehabilitation between Bingham Street and Kimball Street. Work began Fall 2025 and is scheduled for completion in Summer/Fall 2027.
Water Treatment Plant – Intake Pipe Replacement
Replacement and protection of the collapsed section of the water intake main. Funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) – EGLE partnership
This project will replace and protect the collapsed portion of the Water Treatment Plant’s intake main extending out to the crib in the St. Marys River. The construction contract was awarded to Roen Salvage Company for $1,633,900, with work was completed in November 2025.
MNRTF Rotary Park Bathroom Pavilion
Funded by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF)
Design is complete for a new pavilion and restroom facility at Rotary Park. Construction is tentatively scheduled for Spring/Summer 2026.
E. Portage Avenue Bridge – Water Main Lining
Flexible In-Place Pipe (FIPP) rehabilitation project
The E. Portage Avenue Bridge watermain is one of five crossings supplying water to the downtown “island” area, accounting for roughly 11% of the island’s water supply. After an unrepairable leak was discovered in 2025, the City’s Water and Engineering Departments selected a Flexible In-Place Pipe (FIPP) liner to restore and protect the pipe.
The contract was awarded to Advantage Reline for $130,000, with work scheduled in 2026.
Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement
Funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) – EGLE partnership
This project supports compliance with Michigan’s 2024 Lead and Copper Rule by replacing older watermains and removing 137 galvanized service lines previously connected to lead.
Work areas include:
- Riverside Drive
- 6th Avenue Alley
- Ryan Avenue
- Portions of East Portage Avenue
The construction contract was awarded to Team Elmer’s for $12,018,463.24.
DWSRF Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project Presentation
MDOT Bridge Bundling Grant Work
Preventative maintenance and structural improvements
This project includes repairs and painting on three key bridge structures:
- West Portage Street Bridge (Power Canal)
- Fort Street Bridge (Power Canal)
- Riverside Drive Bridge (Mission Creek)
The work has been awarded to Heavy Structural Preservation, LLC, with construction scheduled for Spring 2026.
MDOT Safety Grant – Meridian & Easterday Intersection
Located near Lake Superior State University (LSSU)
This safety project will upgrade pedestrian and traffic signals and improve crosswalk facilities at the Meridian Street and Easterday Avenue intersection. It is currently in the design phase, with construction planned for 2026–2027.
Power Canal Trail – Phase III
Non-motorized trail continuation from Portage Avenue to Ashmun Bay
In partnership with MDOT, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, and private donors
Phase III will extend the Power Canal Trail from Portage Avenue to Ashmun Bay, improving pedestrian and recreational connections. Design and bidding are planned for Spring 2026, with construction starting Fall 2026.
Budget Year 2027
Marquette Avenue – Ashmun Street to Shunk (Safe Routes to School)
Funded through MDOT Small Urban Grant Program
This project will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility along Marquette Avenue, improving routes to nearby schools. Design and field work are underway, with construction expected in 2027.
Sault Tribe RAISE Grant Partnership
Currently in the planning and design phase
This collaborative effort with regional partners will enhance transportation safety and connectivity throughout the community.
Water Street Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Elimination
In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 219 Funding
This project will remove one of the City’s final three combined sewer overflow sites — CSO #007 at Water and Bingham Streets. Work includes construction of a new Ashmun/Maple Lift Station, reconstruction of the overflow structure at Bingham and Water Streets, removal of the 8-inch overflow connector between sanitary and storm systems, and rehabilitation of the storm outfall pipes (12-inch and 48-inch) in St. Mary’s Falls Park.
The project is currently in the design phase, with an estimated cost of $1.2 million.