by Megan Costello, City Reporter

After years of debate and planning, the Madison City Council voted on the last stage of the State Street Redesign Project Tuesday night.

The vote finalized all aspects of the multimillion-dollar construction project set to begin on the 100 block of State Street this spring. The construction will progress in phases throughout the next few years, with the revamping of the 100 block to finish in conjunction with the grand opening of the Overture Center this September.

The project will establish new streets, sidewalks, lights, kiosks, planters, street signs and bus stops.

Early estimates set the cost of each bus stop at around $30,000 — a price range still in debate.

The new bus stops will cost $49,000 each, according to civil engineer Mike Statz from the Municipal, Architectural and Planning Services.

Members of the City Council expressed their frustrations about the increased costs. As the project expanded since the beginning in 1999, certain elements of the bus stop structure were added, increasing the price. Despite frustrations, a motion was unanimously passed to begin construction.

The new bus stops were designed by a team of local engineers and artists and consist of several durable materials.

“We made a world of difference in working with local artists,” City Council President Mike Verveer said. “I think we did it right. There was no real controversy despite the small aspects.”

After careful planning with Madison Metro, Statz’s team of engineers are set to construct aluminum-structure bus stops, with a durable cable roof and glass containing a strengthening film.

Statz agreed $49,000 is expensive but said the amount would benefit in the long run because of the low maintenance the stops will require.

“They are an asset to the street; the investment is not frivolous,” Public Art Standing Committee Chair Scott Thornton said. Thornton also stressed how the costs of the bus stops are an investment for all residents of Madison as a transit corridor.

Downtown resident Rosemary Lee said $49,000 per bus stop is a sound investment because the structure is sound and the aluminum roof is durable.

“What was chosen is the best both aesthetically and for utilitarian purposes,” Lee said.

Downtown Madison Inc. President Susan Schmitz said the new State Street project is a strategic plan that brought together several businesses throughout the years.

“What kept us focused was protecting the dream,” Schmitz said.

Many members said despite certain small dilemmas, the overall focus of the project is the protection of Madison’s most memorable street.

“We all agree that State Street is the most special, most important street in our community.” Verveer said. “It is the heart of our community, and this project has been many, many years in coming.”