MDOT Begins I-75 Reconstruction Project
MDOT Begins I-75 Reconstruction Project
The year 2000 construction season in the Upper Peninsula begins two weeks early on I-75 between the Mackinac Bridge toll plaza and US-2 near St. Ignace. On April 3, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) begins reconstruction of a mile of freeway and ramps. The early start on construction will allow the project to be completed earlier in the season, minimizing the impact on tourism and the St. Ignace Car Show.
The $4 million dollar project will reconstruct and improve the freeway, drainage, and entrance and exit ramps. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times. Traffic will be maintained at all times by the use of temporary traffic signals on US-2, cross overs, temporary ramp endings, lane shifts and detours. Night work on the project is possible. Special provisions on this project include having a tow truck or wrecker service on continuous call to assist any disabled vehicles that would disrupt traffic flow in the construction zone.
From early April to late May, the contractor for the project will be working on the southbound I-75 lanes. The two lanes that normally serve southbound traffic will be closed from the toll plaza to US-2. The lanes that normally serve northbound traffic will handle both directions of travel. The shoulder of northbound I-75 has been improved to accommodate a third lane from the toll plaza north to US-2. Three lanes will be available to serve the traffic demand. For example, on Friday afternoons, two lanes will serve northbound traffic. On Sunday afternoons, two lanes will serve southbound traffic.
The entrance ramp from eastbound US-2 to southbound I-75 will be closed during the first phase of this project. Access to the freeway will be from the westbound US-2 ramp. Access will be facilitated with a temporary traffic signal on US-2.
In late May, all traffic will be switched to the newly constructed southbound lanes to allow for reconstruction of the northbound side. Southbound I-75 traffic will be switched to the new southbound shoulder and northbound I-75 traffic will be switched to the inside southbound lane. A third lane will be used for northbound or southbound traffic as needed.
The exit ramp from northbound I-75 to eastbound US-2 will be closed during this second phase of the project. Access to US-2 will be from the westbound US-2 ramp. Access to eastbound US-2 will be facilitated with a temporary traffic signal on US-2.
The project is expected to be completed in late June prior to the start of the popular St. Ignace Car Show.
Motorists are asked to pay attention to signs directing them through the project area. The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Mackinac Bridge Authority will provide construction information updates throughout the project. If traveling in the Straits area, tune to AM radio 530 or 1610 for project information.
