The City of Manitowoc is moving closer to reconstructing Franklin Street.
The Common Council unanimously approved getting design proposals from raSmith for about $245,900.
The city wants to completely reconstruct Franklin Street between 6th and 21st Street, as it will be the detour when Calumet Avenue and Washington Street are redone by the state starting in 2029.
Documents from RaSmith also explain that the project offers an opportunity to reimagine the corridor’s use and function, giving people a new way to reach downtown Manitowoc.
If Manitowoc hires raSmith for construction, they would start construction in 2027 and would continue into 2028.
There would also be several issues to address during construction, including railway coordination, emergency vehicle access, and signals.
According to initial cost estimates, the total reconstruction of Franklin Street could cost over $10 million.
A portion of Franklin Street was reconstructed in 2024 between 21st and 26th Streets.
