PORTAGE | City officials will hold its first public meeting Monday on the proposed Central Avenue reconstruction project.

The meeting is slated for 4:30 to 7 p.m. outside of the Portage Adult Education Building, 5391 Central Avenue. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the Willowcreek Middle School gym, Central Avenue and Willowcreek Road.

Portage Director of Public Works Craig Hendrix said it will be an open house format. Residents will be able to view boards outlining the project and ask staff members along with consultants from American StructurePoint, Inc. of Highland, any questions about the project. Mayor Olga Velazquez and U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky will be in attendance. Refreshments will be available.

The proposed project is about two miles in length beginning at County Line Road and extending east to Willowcreek Road. It calls for one eastbound and one westbound lane with left turn lanes where necessary. The project also includes pavement replacement, new curb and gutter with storm sewers and new sidewalks on both sides of the roadway.

Several intersection modifications are anticipated including upgrades at Willowdale, Swan and Dombey roads intersections. Signals may be necessary at some intersections.

Regional stormwater improvements are also slated, with significant impacts beyond the road corridor to alleviate flooding potential by replacing an inadequate structure over Willow Creek.

Hendrix said this project will provide a stormwater backbone for future projects in that section of Portage.

The project will be completed in several phases. Hendrix said he doesn't anticipate construction to begin until 2012, depending on funding.

The cost of the project has been estimated at $10.27 million. About $3.5 million in federal funds have been secured for the project. Additional funding will come from the stormwater fees.

The County Line and Willowcreek roads intersections with Central Avenue are also being upgraded, but as separate projects.