In exchange for using a portion of the Mini Mart's property, MDOT paved a gravel area commuters had already been using, and provided signs designating it an official carpool lot.

"Locating a carpool lot at the Rapid River Mini Mart was a perfect fit, as commuters were already choosing to park their vehicles here at the US-2/US-41 intersection," said Jack Bedard, MDOT's Escanaba Transportation Service Center manager. "Making this an official paved lot with painted parking spots also will prevent parked vehicles from interfering with deliveries at the business."

In the future, this lot may become a pick-up and drop-off location for local transit buses.

For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.

MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!