MDOT to begin M-69 resurfacing, Crystal Falls streetscape improvements next week

Contact: James Lake, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-786-1830, ext. 321

Agency: Transportation

April 27, 2007 - - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will start work Monday, April 30, to rehabilitate downtown Crystal Falls, and resurface M-69 from Crystal Falls to Sagola.

The streetscape enhancements in Crystal Falls are being made in conjunction with a city-funded upgrade of water main and storm and sanitary sewers along Superior Avenue (M-69) in the downtown area. This project will result in complete reconstruction of Superior Avenue (M-69) from US-2 to Roundhouse Road.

"MDOT has worked closely with the city of Crystal Falls and the Crystal Falls Downtown Development Authority to schedule construction and detours that will minimize the inconvenience to area residents and patrons of downtown businesses," said Mike Premo, manager of MDOT's Crystal Falls Transportation Service Center. "As the project proceeds, we'll continue looking for ways to improve traffic flow wherever possible."

"The city is extremely pleased that this project has come to fruition," said Crystal Falls City Manager Charles Nordeman. "A new streetscape design, coupled with the utility and road work, is an economic shot in the arm for this community and Iron County. We believe it will result in an economic renaissance for Crystal Falls."

Traffic within the city of Crystal Falls will be detoured, with westbound M-69 traffic using Crystal Avenue, and eastbound M-69 traffic using Marquette Avenue. Both city streets will be one-way only for the duration of the detour, until early July. An alternate truck route follows North 6th Street, Fairbanks Road, and Wagoner Street. Those portions of Superior Avenue (M-69) not under construction will be open to local traffic. The remaining section of M-69 will require intermittent lane closures using flag control.

This project is scheduled to be completed in October 2007. Underground work on Superior Avenue (M-69) is expected to be completed by early July, at which time the detour and alternate truck route will no longer be in effect.

Motorists and residents are reminded that all the businesses along Superior Avenue (M-69) will remain open throughout construction. Parking is available along side streets or immediately behind many businesses. Access to the businesses will be available at all times. Anyone with questions or special needs is encouraged to call the city offices at 906-875-6647, ext. 4, or MDOT at 906-875-6644, for assistance.

This resurfacing project is expected to extend the life of the pavement by 10 to 12 years. It is anticipated that the city utility upgrades will last 50 years, and the enhancement work will improve the appearance of the Crystal Falls downtown area.

The water and sewer upgrades are being funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development loan the city received. The streetscape enhancements are being funded by MDOT's Transportation Enhancement Grant program, a federally mandated program that earmarks 10 percent of the federal transportation funds Michigan receives for non-roadway projects.

For up-to-date information on this project, visit MDOT's Web site at www.michigan.gov/laneclosures.

This project continues a commitment by MDOT and the Granholm administration to create jobs, improve quality of life and provide the highest quality integrated transportation services for Michigan residents and businesses.

MDOT: Providing the highest quality integrated transportation services for economic benefit and improved quality of life.