U.S. 41 construction update

Drivers traveling along US 41 in Marquette thru Marquette Township have been slowed in recent weeks. Construction crews have been working day and night replacing cracked and damaged sections of roadway. The $1.2 million project will give drivers a smoother ride come winter time.

“What we’re trying to do is extend the life of the pavement. The real benefit for motorists is that as the concrete ages and it starts to lose its strength potholes can happen, and they typically happen in the winter when it’s difficult for us to deal with them,” M–DOT’s Ishpeming Transportation Service Center Manager Andy Sikkema said. “By going in and removing those weaker sections, typically at cracks and joints in the pavement, we eliminate the potential for potholes to occur during the winter season and during spring breakups.”

Construction is starting to shift into the south bound lanes. Drivers should expect lane closures and sign changes.

“The lane closures change frequently so motorists need to pay attention to the signs, because what you saw yesterday might be not what your going to see today,” Sikkema added. “So pay attention to the signs, slow down. We’re doing things to try and reduce the delays, and we messure the delays that happen out there.”

Sikkema says the entire project should be completed by the end of this month.