Mount Pleasant road construction projects to be completed this fall
Summer construction projects throughout Isabella County are finishing as the school year begins.
Anita Richardson, spokesperson for the Bay Region of the Michigan Department of Transportation, expects the US-127 construction project, which started on July 7, to be completed in November.
“The US-127 construction is a resurfacing project focused on creating a roundabout in the north and southbound lanes. It is on track and progressing well,” she said.
The area extends from the Shepherd exit south of Blanchard Road to the Mission Street exit in Mount Pleasant.
The $9.3 million project is funded by stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Richardson said.
“It really shouldn’t affect back-to-school traffic except for a little back-up on Friday evenings when people are leaving or coming for the weekend,” she said. “I would just advise motorist to go slow through the area.”
Main roundabout
Mount Pleasant Director of Public Works Duane Ellis said the construction of a roundabout at the Main and Mosher Street intersection began Aug. 3, and should be completed in mid to late September.
“This construction will impact traffic, but people can still go through,” he said.
Overall, the roundabout will increase safety, the removal of traffic signals will save energy and the intersection will be more pedestrian friendly, he said.
Street Mill and Overlay
The Street Mill and Overlay, which began Aug. 5, will improve 12 streets in the city limits.
“The two big mill machines, being provided by the city, will first grind off 2 inches of asphalt from the street, which is a rather quick process and takes about three days to complete,” Ellis said. “Then, afterward, the street will be repaved.”
The only traffic impact will be driving around the mill machine, he said.
Franklin Street
Construction on Franklin Street to replace the water main began in mid-July and should be completed in mid-August. These city construction projects are funded by the city stimulus money, he said.
“The city money’s primary source is from the Act 51 funds, which are capital improvement funds and no grant money,” Ellis said.
West Campus Drive
Construction on West Campus Drive between Broomfield Rd. and the railroad tracks to the south was reconstructed and completed in July.
“The reconstruction of West Campus Drive included the crush and shape of the existing roadway, upgraded the Upton Drain, and installed bike paths on each side of the new roadway,” said Linda Slater, Facilities Management director of plant engineering and planning.
MDOT funded 90 percent of the $416,000 project, and the difference was funded by Deferred Maintenance.
Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of Facilities Management, said one of the first considerations for the West Campus Drive construction was the amount of traffic.
“West Campus Drive, south of Broomfield Rd., has the highest vehicle count of university-owned streets,” Lawrence said.
