The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 6 that it will invest $1.9 million to improve the US-31 and 3 Mile Road intersection in East Bay Township, Grand Traverse County. The project is scheduled to start on April 13 and is expected to be completed by July 2.
The planned improvements include upgrades to sidewalks and traffic signals, the addition of a second westbound left-turn lane, and realignment of the Traverse City State Park Beach driveway with the northbound approach at the intersection. The department said these changes are intended to enhance traffic flow for vehicles entering and exiting the beach day-use area parking lot.
During construction, there will be a detour for traffic on 3 Mile Road via Parsons Road and Airport Access Road for about five weeks. Lane closures on US-31, pedestrian detours, and adjustments to access for Traverse City State Park Beach are also expected as part of the project timeline. Economic modeling estimates that this investment will directly or indirectly support approximately sixteen jobs.
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, more than 4,800 bridges, over 2,700 miles of non-motorized trails, hundreds of miles of railroad track, as well as various airports across Michigan. The department employs more than 2,800 people statewide while overseeing seven regions through numerous service centers and facilities according to its official website.
The department’s mission focuses on serving communities and supporting economic growth through transportation efforts according to its official website. Leadership includes a director along with chief administrative officer and chief operations officer roles as described by MDOT. Its responsibilities extend across all M-, I-, and US-numbered routes in Michigan while maintaining bridges, rail services, public transit programs, aviation infrastructure initiatives like airport managements systems—plus oversight for non-motorized trail networks as well as safety standards statewide according to MDOT.
This upcoming project aims not only at reducing congestion but also improving safety features for both drivers and pedestrians at this busy intersection.
