BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Due to wet weather and evolving project needs, the City of Battle Creek is adjusting the paving schedule for the Watkins Road reconstruction project.  

The base layer of asphalt has already been placed, but the final top layer must be applied in dry conditions. To help keep the project on schedule, the contractor will complete paving in two stages:  

• Friday, Aug. 29: Crews will pave one lane of Watkins Road and apply base asphalt over the culvert and some driveways.
• Sept. 3 or 4: Crews will return to complete the final paving, weather permitting.  

Watkins Road is expected to be fully paved by Friday, Sept. 5, with partial reopening to traffic at that time. However, temporary lane shifts will be in place to accommodate ongoing shoulder and restoration work, which is expected to be completed by Friday, Sept. 12.  

Neighbors are asked to use caution when traveling through the area. Manholes are currently raised, but city crews have installed rubber liners to help protect vehicles. As a reminder, Watkins Road will remain closed to through traffic until final paving is complete next week.  

The city appreciates the community’s patience as crews work to complete this important infrastructure improvement.  

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