Miller Avenue Improvements Project

Project Overview

Miller Avenue, from downtown to Maple Road, will undergo construction in 2025 for both utility and transportation work.

In the Spring of 2025, during the first phase, from Newport to Seventh, water main will be replaced, stormwater utilities improved, intersection realigned at Red Oak, and the road repaved.

In the Summer, during the second phase, from Seventh to Chapin, water main will be replaced, stormwater utilities improved, road widened at Seventh, and the road repaved.

In the Fall, during the third phase, from Maple to First, the road will be reconfigured to improve biking, walking and mass transit options as well as installing measures to reduce vehicle speeds such as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), speed tables, and reduced speed limits.

Why this project?

Old water mains need replacement as well as the condition of existing infrastructure.
Funding is available to make improvements within the Allen Creek watershed for underground detention of storm runoff.
The road condition from Newport to Chapin warrants repaving. This section of pavement was not repaved during the 2013 Miller project.
Miller Avenue is an all ages and abilities bike corridor, with funding available to upgrade bike lanes.

Cost and funding sources

This project is being funded by multiple sources:

City Water Utility and Stormwater Utility Funds
State Transportation funds
County Road Millage Funds

For this project, please keep in mind:

The city has seen in increases in walking and biking as new infrastructure is built.
There will be points of conflict between cars, bikes and people at various points. That is the current condition. However, by providing dedicated infrastructure, and reducing speeds, those conflicts become more manageable and safer.
Snow removal on bike lanes will continue to be a focus and new equipment is coming online to address it.
Changes will not negatively impact curbside collection service and instructions on where to put carts will be provided.

Residents in the vicinity will experience noise and dust normally associated with construction.
Non-resident traffic will be detoured around the construction zone while local access for residents will be maintained.

Public engagement on this project included options of using an online pin drop tool or posting a note on a corridor print out during four public open houses. Comments received can be viewed on this pin drop map. Staff have provided responses to many of the questions and comments.

In March 2024 a project overview video was made available to the public