Highway underpass project a ‘win-win’

MARQUETTE — The Marquette Charter Township’s Recreation committee and the Planning and Zoning department held a meeting Monday with updates on the US-41 underpass project. The project, which will take place in 2019, will provide easier access via foot and snowmobile between the Noquemanon Trail Network’s North and South Trails.

It will also provide trail users with access to some local amenities as a connector to the Iron Belle Trail.

“Some of the finer points are just submitting, for instance a partnership with the DNR to maintain the trail after it’s installed, including the box culvert,” said Planning/Zoning Administrator Jason McCarthy.

The tunnel will be large enough for the snowmobile groomer to go through it. It will also give pedestrians and snowmobilers an opportunity to cross the road safely.

“It’s really a win-win on many fronts, both from a safe crossing of the highway for recreational purposes, connecting to safe routes to school and existing facilities, and economic development of the project,” said McCarthy.

The project is estimated to cost $2.4 million, and will include a wider median from the Target to the Best Buy as well as Pedestrian pathways on the road level.