The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 2 that it will begin work on the I-75 overpasses at Cheeseman Road in St. Ignace, Mackinac County, starting April 15. The project is expected to cost about $9 million and will continue through Nov. 6.
This two-year effort aims to rebuild the overpasses, including deck and bearing replacement, substructure repairs, beam end repairs, steel cleaning and coating, as well as approach work. Work on northbound I-75 is scheduled for completion in 2025 while southbound construction will take place this year.
Traffic restrictions during the project include reducing both northbound and southbound I-75 traffic to one lane each direction. Southbound vehicles will be shifted onto the northbound side using temporary crossovers, with two-way traffic maintained by concrete barriers. A lane width restriction of 12 feet will be enforced throughout the project area. The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles per hour generally and further lowered to 45 miles per hour where workers are present.
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support approximately 76 jobs.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges across Michigan according to its official website. The department employs more than 2,800 people statewide and operates seven regions with numerous service centers and facilities according to its official website. Its mission focuses on serving people and communities while supporting economic activity through transportation projects according to its official website.
MDOT leadership includes a director along with key executives such as a chief administrative officer and chief operations officer according to its official website. The agency’s responsibilities cover maintenance for M-, I-, and US-numbered routes; bridge upkeep; rail services; public transit; aviation programs; non-motorized trails; and safety standards according to its official website.
