By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – With a road construction project underway in the City of Tomahawk and Northwoods Fall Ride set to kick off next month, a temporary measure will be taken to ensure a heavily-traveled roadway will be open during the rally.
During its meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 29, the City of Tomahawk Board of Public Works unanimously voted to move forward with laying down a temporary asphalt surface at N. 6th St. and E. Somo Ave.
City of Tomahawk Street Department Leadperson Nick Rosenmeier explained to the board that the 6th St. construction project, which encompasses several blocks and involves numerous road closures, will not be completed prior to Northwoods Fall Ride, slated for Thursday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 17.
Rosenmeier said he talked with construction crews about ways to allow traffic on E. Somo Ave. during the annual rally, which is expected to bring thousands of motorcyclists to Tomahawk.
One option was utilizing a compacted gravel surface, which would have come at no cost to the city.
The second alternative involved temporarily paving of the driving lanes on E. Somo Ave.
After discussion, the board ultimately chose the temporary pavement option, with Mayor Steve Taskay citing the safety of those traveling on the main thoroughfare.
The work will carry a price tag of $5,600.00, according to Rosenmeier, who said the temporary asphalt surface could be laid down by the end of next week.
