MDOT to invest $44 million in U.P. roads and bridges in 2013

           The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to invest $44 million in the Upper Peninsula this year, including $41 million to repair 115 miles of state highways, and $3.3 million to repair nine bridges.

“While working within available funding, MDOT remains committed to maintaining Michigan’s transportation system,” said Superior Region Engineer and Bureau Director of Field Services, Randy Van Portfliet. “Our 2013 construction program is geared toward preserving our roads and bridges, while improving safety for all users and supporting economic growth.”

The MDOT Superior Region serves all 15 counties in the U.P.: Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, and Schoolcraft. Major state trunklines include I-75, US-41, US-45, US-2, M-26, M-35, M-95, M-117 and M-28. In all, MDOT is responsible for 1,830 miles of state highway and 302 bridges in the U.P.

Major projects in the U.P. this construction season will include:

–          I-75 Business Spur, Chippewa County: An $812,000 project to repair the deck and replace the barrier wall on the 3 Mile Road bridge in Sault Ste. Marie. Construction is scheduled from May to September. Traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals and a detour for westbound 3 Mile Road traffic on I-75 and Mackinac Trail.

–          M-26, Houghton County: A $3 million project to reconstruct 0.9 miles M-26 in the village of Laurium, from South Calumet Street to Calumet Street, which will include historic streetscape elements. Construction is scheduled from May to October. Traffic will be controlled with a detour on city streets and lane closures under flag control.

–          M-28, Alger County: A $235,000 project to repair the deck of the M-28 bridge over the Anna River in Munising. Construction is scheduled from June to August. Traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals.

–          M-28, Chippewa County: A $5.2 million project to resurface 11.1 miles of M-28 from west of Raco to M-221. Construction is scheduled from May to October. Traffic shifts will be in effect, as well as lane closures under flag control.

–          M-35, Menominee County: A $5.7 million project to reconstruct 1 mile of M-35 from the US-41 intersection to 48th Avenue in the city of Menominee. Construction is scheduled from April to October. Construction will be controlled with a detour on city streets.

–          M-189, Iron County: A $3.5 million project to reconstruct 1.2 miles of M-189 from north of Hiawatha Road to Genesee Street in the city of Iron River. Construction is scheduled from April to October. Traffic will be controlled with a temporary traffic signal, detour on city streets, and daytime lane closures under flag control.