By Patrick Baron

PONTIAC – Cleary Street will be undergoing reconstruction in the coming months, following the Pontiac City Council’s approval of the $579,483 project.

The council said Opperman Construction will be reconstructing the street that runs east and west from Mill Street to Ladd Street. Mayor Bob Russell told WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner that drivers will have to find an alternate route to get where they want to go while the construction is underway. He says that includes people driving to the Dairy Queen near the end of the street.

“Cleary Street will be somewhat inaccessible for several months for that project to take place,” said Russell. “So just be aware, you’re going to want to find a different route than Cleary Street when you’re going for that Blizzard.”

Russell acknowledged that it may be inconvenient for the public, but also said the finished product will be well worth finding new ways to get around.

“It’s our major street project for the year,” Russell said. “It’ll be a little inconvenient, but when it’s done you’re going to say ‘wow, that’s nice’.”

Russell said Cleary Street is one of the most traffic-heavy streets in the city. He also said these renovations are overdue.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].