PORTAGE | The Portage Township School Board approved granting two rights-of-way this week to allow improvements to the entrance of Portage High School on Airport Road and its intersection with Pan Am Boulevard.
The board approved granting a temporary right-of-way of 3.74 acres to allow construction crews to come onto school property during the project's construction and another permanent right-of-way of about a half acre to allow for the project.
Superintendent Mike Berta said the project is advantageous for the school district as traffic problems continue at the campus, particularly during school dismissal time.
"We have much to be gained from this project," Berta said.
The project, being undertaken by the city, will make improvements to Airport Road and realign the PHS exit with Pan Am Boulevard. It will also install a traffic signal.
The project is estimated to cost $1 million with 90 percent received from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program. The city will provide a 10 percent match through Major Move funds and there should be no cost to the school district.
The project will also include new pavement, curb and gutters, stormwater piping, sidewalks and lighting.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in 2010.
