Hwy 34 in Akeley is currently under construction with detours this summer. The project began Monday, July 10 and will last through mid-October, weather permitting. When complete, the project will reconstruct the corridor and increase safety and mobility in town.
Public meetings are held at Akeley City Hall each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. throughout the project.
What's happening now?
The project will begin Stage 2 on August 22.
What's happening next?
Stage 1: Pleasant Ave to Franklin Ave closed
The resurfacing portion east of Franklin Ave (out past Scherer Ave) will also take place during stage 1
estimated 4-5 weeks (complete)
Stage 2: Pleasant Ave to Graceson Ave closed
estimated 4-5 weeks (begins August 22)
Stage 3: Graceson Ave to Hillside Ave closed
estimated 4-5 weeks (begins mid-September)
Traffic Impacts
Beginning Tuesday, August 22, Hwy 34 will be closed between Pleasant Ave and Graceson Ave. Traffic will be detoured onto Pleasant Ave, Fourth Street and Graceson Ave.
Construction staging maps
Closed between Pleasant Ave and Franklin Ave
Closed east of Franklin Ave for culvert replacement
Detour: Hwy 64 and CR 25
Closed between Pleasant Ave and Graceson Ave
Detour: Fourth Street between Pleasant Ave and Graceson Ave
Closed between Pleasant Ave and Franklin Ave
Detour: Hwy 64 and CR 25
About the project
Hwy 34 in Akeley is scheduled for construction in the summer of 2023. The project requires a detour and will reconstruct the corridor through Akeley, it includes resurfacing work west of Franklin Ave.
Highway 34 project in Akeley is scheduled to begin construction in JulyAn example of what the corridor will look like between Graceson Ave and Marie Ave/Hwy 64 when complete with new sidewalks, boulevards and trees. The tree's will be planted separately in 2024.
Urban reconstruct
Between Hillside Ave and Franklin Ave
Reconstruct the highway, reducing the current pavement width by about 30 feet
Addition of Boulevard spacing between driving surface and sidewalks
Sidewalk replacement
Turning improvements at the intersection with Hwy 64
Highway lighting
On-street parking will be changed from diagonal to parallel
Tree's will be planted in the additional boulevard spacing, although that won't take place during the project. They will be planted in 2024.
Resurfacing
Franklin Ave to east of Scherer Ave
Resurfacing
Why reconstruct the corridor
Road width
The road is very wide in Akeley, in fact too wide, so there will be a width reduction of about 30 feet. What we find with roads that are too wide is that drivers typically drive faster than the posted speeds. So reducing the width will provide natural traffic calming, which will help reduce motorist speeds through town. Additionally it also requires more time, effort, and funding for things like maintenance, plowing, and construction. This reconstruction project will help get motorists to drive slower through town, reduce costs, increase maintenance efficiencies, and increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Boulevards
Reducing the pavement width also allows for the inclusion of boulevard spacing, which will move the sidewalks away from the driving surface, and increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. In the two blocks between Hulet Ave and Marie Ave/Hwy 64, the boulevards will include colored, decorative concrete. The rest will be grass.
Hwy 34/Hwy 64 intersection
Reducing the pavement width allows for an adjustment to the curb corners and turning radius for vehicles. It will make it easier for vehicles to turn more predictably and improve sightlines for drivers, which will improve safety. The project won't really change anything with the configuration, so motorists will use it the same. It just makes some adjustments to where the corners are.
