By AARON MUELLER
Cassopolis Vigilant

A construction project on First Street in Cassopolis began on Tuesday , closing the street to all through traffic during the roadwork that will last about two months.

The construction, which runs from East State Street to Graham Street, will close the street until July 30 with the rest of the project to be complete by Aug. 31.

Second Street is the designated detour.

Village of Cassopolis Manager Kevin Gillette knows First Street is a main road in Cassopolis but does not expect the detour to be much of an inconvenience.

One block east is the primary detour,” he said. “So it shouldn’t be too big of a deal.”

The project will feature new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, a minor water main replacement, water service shut-off boxes, storm drain improvements and repaving.

Village of Cassopolis Manager Kevin Gillette said the project was approved at a recent village council meeting. Also included in the project will be relocation of overhead utility services, including electric, telephone and cable at various times. All water service boxes will be replaced at no cost to residents.

The village will only pay $61,000 of the $610,000 bill with help from a Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant.