The City of Merrill announces construction work is now in progress at the future Wal-Mart site at 505 S. Pine Ridge Ave. in Merrill. In addition to the building site, several public infrastructure improvements will be built at the intersection of State Hwy. 64 (East Main Street, WI-64) and Pine Ridge Avenue. All existing businesses in the area, including the current Wal-Mart store, will be open for business during construction. State Highway 64 (East Main Street) will be open but subject to temporary lane restrictions and some delays during the road work.
The City of Merrill has retained Becher-Hoppe Associates, Inc. of Wausau to assist the city by observing construction of public facilities and providing progress updates. A public informational meeting will be held Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. at the Merrill City Hall Council Chambers before the road construction work begins. The initial schedule is anticipated to have traffic control set up and utility construction beginning in the roadway on Sept. 3. New water, sanitary, and storm drainage utilities will be installed and traffic signals, lighting, sidewalks and pavement will be constructed. The developer aims to have the road work completed in October.
Becher-Hoppe will assist the City of Merrill by providing project representation and third-party quality verification. Communications will include news and announcements on the City of Merrill web site and periodic news releases to the Courier and the Foto News.
The project developer will coordinate contractors and provide schedule information to Becher Hoppe for distribution to the public. Tonia Speener, PE, Civil Services Manager at Becher Hoppe, will be the primary contact at 715-845-8000 for the City of Merrill during this construction project.