An upgrade to Egg Harbor Road, planned for this year, has been approved by the Sturgeon Bay Board of Public Works. On Tuesday, Baudhuin, Incorporated, the city’s consultant, was given the go-ahead to complete plans and obtain sealed bids for work expected to cost in the neighborhood of $1.2 million. Members of the committee heard from Baudhuin engineer Peter Hurth who noted that elements of the makeover would deal with groundwater including the installation of a culvert, storm sewer and detention pond. Sidewalk is planned for both sides of the busy thoroughfare the current plan also includes some adjustment to the existing islands to accommodate turning movements from driveways and the widening of travel lanes to provide space for a bike lane. Nearly three dozen decorative lights are also part of the plan. Mayor Thad Birmingham said the makeover should enhance the street for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. To that end, sidewalk would be available from 8th Avenue to Walmart with crosswalks installed at key transit points. Alderman Bob Schlicht indicated he would support the building of a retention wall near a stretch of sidewalk if it provided for pedestrian safety. Baudhuin will also look into the costs associated with a lighting system that could be activated to alert drivers that pedestrians were about to cross the street and periodic bumpouts where benches could be placed.
