Marquette County hopeful for new trucking route

Increased truck traffic is in store along Marquette County Road 550 and the city of Marquette. That’s unless the environmental protection agency gives the state the okay to allow County Road 595 to be constructed. A public hearing will be held tomorrow to help determine its fate.

To raise the awareness of the meeting tomorrow, a truck convoy started out this morning from County Road 550. It made its way down wright street, up U.S. 41 past Menard’s and then back through Marquette to the gravel pit on 550.

The new route would bypass Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming, opening just east of Koski’s corner in western Marquette County. Both mining and logging trucks can use the road as can emergency vehicles.

The meeting Tuesday will begin at 6 pm at the University Center at Northern Michigan University.The meeting will include a short question and answer session followed by public comment.