Motorists celebrate completion of streetscape

HANCOCK — Motorists have been enjoying the renovated Quincy Street in downtown Hancock. Today, they celebrate.

With only some minor elements remaining, the Quincy Streetscape project is complete.

Motorists began driving the full length of the US-41 trunkline through downtown Hancock last week…but city officials and representatives from MDOT got together to perform an official ribbon cutting ceremony outside of city hall. The project was finished within the deadlines and on budget.

MDOT Construction Engineer Al Anderson said, “The project went very smoothly. The contractor that we had, which was Hebert Construction, did a very good job. They planned well and had work forces to meet the challenge and aggressive schedule.”

The project began in April and included a full reconstruct of Quincy Street and part of Reservation Street…new sidewalks and curb bump outs…plus some water and sewer work done by the city.

The $7.1 million dollar investment is expected to pay dividends for Hancock.

State Representative Scott Dianda said, “This is an economic development for the city of Hancock. It’s wonderful. To looking at a new streetscape, we’re going to have more attractions for more businesses to come in. The street is viable in taking on another great look.”

Landscaping and permanent street lighting will be completed in the next few weeks.

A second phase of the project includes rebuilding Front Street from the Portage Lake Lift Bridge to Reservation Street and the ramp to M-26 that runs underneath next year.