Work to affect block in front of Rhinelander library

BY KEVIN BONESKE

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Rhinelander’s downtown Streetscape construction project has increased by a block following action Monday by the City Council.

Work on Stevens Street, which in recent weeks has been closed for construction between Rives and King Street, is expanding north to Frederick Street in the area where the Rhinelander District Library is located.

Director of Public Works Tim Kingman said the work currently taking place on Stevens Street is providing an opportunity to make needed improvements between Rives and Frederick Street, which qualify for funding through the downtown construction project.

“This work (on Stevens between Rives and Frederick Street) came to be because there was somewhat of a hole in the contractor’s schedule, which would be filled for a couple weeks and keep them on the job,” Kingman said. “It looks like we have the time and means to get this done.”

Kingman said an engineering change order to do the work on that block, which would include upgrading the water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer utilities along with street replacement, lists the total cost at $225,305.

The effect of the construction work expanding on Stevens Street will result in a temporary change for traffic in and out of the parking lot behind the Rhinelander District Library, where motorists will be unable to exit onto Stevens Street.

The usual one-way entrance from Rives Street will be used for both entering and exiting the parking lot with drivers instructed to stay on the left as they enter, because of safety reasons and for book drop access. The parking spaces facing the library will become two temporary parallel handicapped spaces. Twelve angled parking spaces on the other side will be eliminated to make room for exiting traffic. There will be cones and signs to provide direction.