The closure for the Cottonwood Drive reconstruction project will remain in place for the duration of the winter and into the spring.

Unfortunately, due to the impact of the labor dispute between the Michigan Transportation and Infrastructure Association and the Operating Engineer’s Local 324 earlier this year, as well as the onset of the winter weather, work on completing the paving of Cottonwood Drive will not be finished this year.

Cottonwood Drive between Baldwin Street and Bauer Road remains closed to through traffic until crews return in the spring to finish paving the top course of asphalt.

For those who live and work within the project limits, access will be maintained during the winter months, and the Ottawa County Road Commission will provide winter maintenance on the road.

Paving contractors have finished placing the base and leveling course of asphalt on the road, and temporary lane markings have been put in place to allow the local traffic to use one lane in each direction, plus a center turn lane.

The existing barricades will be moved on Cottonwood to improve the flow of traffic and accessibility for those living and doing business within the project limits. This includes the removal of the temporary closure at Village Lane and moving the Cottonwood closure at Bauer Road to the south of the intersection.

As Cottonwood Drive is still closed to through traffic, we ask for everyone’s cooperation and safety in spreading the word that those who do not live or need to do business within the project limits should take the posted detour, which is Baldwin Street to 20th Avenue to Bauer Road to 24th Avenue to Fillmore Street.

We also remind motorists that the speed limit along Cottonwood Drive construction zone will remain 25 miles per hour.

Mailboxes will also be maintained on the westerly side of the road for the winter months, and we also ask that those who use a private plow service, relay to them to be careful not to damage the curb while plowing this winter.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this project, and are eager to return in the spring to finish up work on this project.

Visit our online project website, https://ottawacorc.com/cottonwooddriveproject/, for more information.