MDOT starts three new road repair projects this week

(The Center Square) – Road projects in three southern counties started this week, as the Michigan Department of Transportation looks to maximize work during the warmer months.

A portion of I-196 in Allegan County is getting resurfaced, M-553 in Marquette County is getting resealed and I-75 in Oakland County is will have concrete patched. The closures are a part of a broader $20.1 million in road repairs.

In Allegan, $3 million will be used to resurface 7 miles of I-196 from 118th Avenue to 71st Street. The taxpayer funding will be used toward pavement patching, road joint work, and resurfacing interchange ramps. The project is expected be finished in mid-November. In the meantime, residents can expect intermittent lane and ramp closures. About 36 jobs will be supported through the project.

“This investment will provide much-needed updates and repairs to improve the quality of our roads and ensure safer commutes for our drivers,” state Rep. Joey Andrews, D-St. Joseph said. “The project will not only increase safety, but it will also support economic development in our community by creating new jobs.”

In Marquette County, 13 miles of M-553 from M-35 north to County Road 480 will be resealed for $2.1 million. In addition to pavement sealing, MDOT workers will also fix road markings and edge trim. About 25 people will be employed by this project, which is expected to finish in early September.

Oakland County will receive $15 million total to completely rebuild I-75 BL from M-1 to I-75. The southbound I-75 ramp to westbound I-75 BL will be the first closed section, for about 10 days as they fix potholes along the road. The project will support an estimated 182 jobs, both direct and indirect. The overall project is expected to be completed by mid-August.