Crews were set to begin installing a new water main on Joel Street the week of Monday, Aug. 10, marking the first active construction in Plymouth's 2026 Infrastructure Improvement Program.

The city announced Sunday, Aug. 9, that materials had arrived and water main installation was expected to begin on the stretch between Ann Arbor Trail and Sheridan Street. The Joel Street project is a full reconstruction that also includes a new storm sewer.

The Plymouth City Commission unanimously approved $2,398,570 at its Monday, July 20, meeting to fund 11 projects across the city, according to the August Plymouth Pulse newsletter. That total covers construction administration, inspection, materials testing and $200,000 in contingencies.

Pro-Line Asphalt won the contract with the lowest of three bids received in June. The city received permit approvals from the State of Michigan and Wayne County before putting the work out to bid. City Manager Chris Porman said in the August newsletter that the city is "very familiar with this firm as they have completed many complex infrastructure projects for us."

The contract is unit-based, meaning Plymouth pays only for materials and work actually used rather than a flat project price.

Beyond Joel Street, the program includes a new water main on Park Avenue from South Holbrook to Hines Drive, resurfacing on Ann Arbor Trail in two segments, and seven additional resurfacing and ADA ramp projects on streets including Wing, Maple, Harding, Goldsmith and Evergreen.

The city held a resident briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at City Hall, where staff and the city's engineering firm walked attendees through the construction process and who to contact with concerns. Porman noted in the newsletter that Plymouth has held pre-construction resident meetings since 1996, calling them helpful for establishing two-way communication with neighbors before work begins.

Drivers and pedestrians should use caution near the construction zone, slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and follow posted signs. Residents with questions can contact the Department of Municipal Services at (734) 453-7737, ext. 0, or [email protected].

No completion date for the Joel Street project has been announced.