A labor dispute has caused the Wilson Road Extension project to be delayed, according to a press release from the MSU Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, or IPF.
The delay is due to a "labor dispute earlier this moth between the Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association (MITA) and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324," the press release said.
As of Sept. 25, no resolution has been made between MITA and Local 324.
“We are still hopeful that an agreement can be settled in a time frame that would allow the project to be completed within the 2018 construction season,” John LeFevre, MSU’s director of Planning, Design and Construction, said in the press release.
The City of East Lansing and MSU officials do not have input into negotiations and it remains as a dispute between the association and the union, the press release said.
The Wilson Road Extension project involves a reconfiguration of Wilson and Fee roads, several parking lots, new traffic lights at the intersection at Hagadorn Road and new railroad signals. The project also intends to create safer roads and improve water distribution in the district.
The press release said that, since Sept. 4, no operating engineers have been working on the project.
“We are all frustrated that the work on-site has been delayed and we are doing everything possible within the contract to make progress,” LeFevre said in the press release.
The project is partially funded by MDOT and in partnership with the City of East Lansing.
MSU will keep the community updated on the project’s progress and updated schedule through the project’s construction page.
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