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Initial work for M-55/I-75 BL project in West Branch starts Aug. 21

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin initial and preparatory work (including detour route paving, rebuilding M-55/I-75 Business Loop (BL) from Margaret Street to M-30, and underground utility work) for its M-55 rebuilding project in West Branch. The majority of the project will be completed in 2024.

MDOT staff and the contractor will be available to answer questions on the project from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the West Branch Police Department.

County:
Ogemaw

Highway:
M-55

Closest city:
West Branch

Start date:
Monday, Aug. 21, 2023

Estimated end date:
October 2024

Traffic restrictions:
Drivers should expect lane closures with temporary traffic signals, and detours on city streets.

Jobs numbers:
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 173 jobs.

Background:
This fall, crews will pave detour routes on Wright, 2nd and 3rd streets; replace water main at the M-55/Fairview Road intersection; install traffic signals at the M-55/Fairview Road and I-75 BL/M-55 intersections; and rebuild M-55 from Margaret Street to M-30.

This work is part of a $14.3 million project to rebuild 1.4 miles of M-55 in West Branch from west of M-30 to east of Fairview Street. This project will include a continuous three-lane section through the downtown area; new concrete curb and gutter; sidewalk ramp replacement; water main, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer replacement; installation of a shared-use path; and new signs, signals and pavement markings. Work on the project will resume in spring 2024 and continue through that fall.

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