The project is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026 and end in Winter 2026, and it will take place on Bacon Ave. between 11 and 12 Mile Roads. The project cost will be paid by the City of Berkley via the Capital Improvement Project Millage approved by the voters in 2018, as well as through grant dollars.

Bacon was selected for this project due to many factors, including a high number of lead service lines attached to the City water main, numerous water main breaks throughout the section, and the poor condition of the existing road surface. Combining the water main and pavement replacement into one construction project minimizes future inconveniences to residents. 

Improvements include new asphalt pavement, concrete curbs, driveway approaches, and sidewalks. Asphalt will be used for the new road surface, and the new road cross-section will be over 16 inches thick, including aggregate and 4.5 inches of asphalt. Geotextile fabric and geogrid will be utilized for additional strength, and the road will primarily be the same width as it is now. The driveway approaches will be replaced with 6 inches of new concrete, and the sidewalks will be replaced with standard 5-foot wide, 4-inch thick concrete.

If a property has an existing walkway from the back of the curb to the sidewalk, this walkway WILL NOT be restored with pavement.

A new water main will also be installed, and the existing water service (including the pipe and water stop box) will be replaced at each home. A new 1” diameter water service will be installed along with a new water stop box (valve).

To minimize future disruptions to homeowners, all homes in the project area will receive a door hanger with information about scheduling a meter replacement before the start of the project. When the meter is replaced, the City will also verify your water service material if it hasn't been verified already. If your material is lead, an appointment will be scheduled to replace the service line during the project. 

You can verify your service material by clicking this link.

In general, residents will be able to access their driveway during the construction. However, when new driveway approaches are poured, residents will not have access to the driveway for about 7 days to allow the concrete to set (cure). Residents who have their driveway approach replaced will need to park on a nearby side street for the duration of the driveway approach replacement. Other instances of limited access include excavation of the roadway, installation of catch basins, and asphalt paving operations. 

The City will distribute flyers and provide updates via the electronic mailing list to inform residents before driveway replacement begins. The flyers will provide options for parking while the concrete cures, and temporary parking passes for on-street parking on adjacent streets will be distributed by the on-site construction inspector.

Yes.

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly encourage residents to subscribe to the electronic newsletter set up by the City on this page.  This link will contain project status updates and will likely be updated weekly or as changes to the project occur.  This will also contain pertinent information such as vehicular and/or pedestrian access, parking, temporary water shut-offs, project delays, etc.

In addition, flyers will be hand-delivered prior to construction commencement as well as at significant points throughout the duration of the project.  The contractor and the field observation staff will also assist in ensuring that all affected residents are kept informed.  

The contractor will provide a temporary ramp or another appropriate system for access to driveways and sidewalk ramps. It is encouraged that residents contact the City DPW prior to construction so proper accommodations can be made in advance. 

The majority of the work will be done within the road right- of-way. If it is necessary to work on private property, a temporary construction easement would be presented to the affected property owner. Please note that the contractor will only be removing and relacing the driveway approach (between the road and sidewalk) and will not be available to remove any sections of driveway from the sidewalk up to the home.

Yes, residents will be able to drive on Bacon to leave their home as needed. We are anticipating that there may be days when one side of the road is closed to traffic.

Trash collection will stay the same. The City will work with both the onsite contractor and our trash collection provider, Tringali, to make arrangements to get the trash on the street picked up each week.

Although the onsite contractors do their best to minimize disruptions to residents, some water service interruptions will be unavoidable. When new services are installed from the new water main to outside the home, residents can expect to be without water for roughly two hours. Some residents who need a full line replacement from inside the home to the water main will be without water for longer as that work is completed. Advance notice will be given if possible.

Each property owner is responsible for the repair, maintenance, and replacement of their own private sewer lead, and is encouraged to contact a licensed plumber to determine if replacement of the house lead is necessary before the start of the project in Spring 2026.

Sewer leads are uncovered by digging a trench in the road in front of the property, and the homeowner is responsible for repairing the road when the section is complete. Since the entire road will need to be reconstructed during the project, homeowners can save money by using temporary materials to repair the trench if repairs are completed before the project begins. If the homeowner waits to make repairs after the Bacon project is complete, they will be required to use more expensive, permanent road material to repair the trench.

The contractor is only responsible for repairing any house lead directly damaged as part of their operations. Video records will be utilized if disputes arise.