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MDOT kicks off M-72/M-22 project with community partners

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Though weather conditions made snow shovels more appropriate than spades, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) was joined by state and local officials and partners for a “groundbreaking” to mark the start of a $25.8 million investment to rebuild portions of M-72 and M-22 in Traverse City and Elmwood Township.

"With any project like this it does take a community," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich at the event hosted by Elmwood Township. "We're trying to talk with everybody we can to make sure that these projects really fit what the people need."

Wieferich was joined in providing remarks by Elmwood Township Supervisor Jeff Shaw, Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe, TART Trails Director Julie Clark, and Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) Director of Communications and Development Eric Lingaur. A video news release is posted on MDOT's YouTube channel.

"Projects like this are huge and there's obviously some issues that can come up and be part of that but when you talk to MDOT, they answer and they work with us to make sure we get this done," said State Rep. John Roth, who was also in attendance.

Work on the project to rebuild 2.2 miles of M-72 (Grandview Parkway) from Division Street in Traverse City and M-22 (Bay Shore Drive) to Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township started March 21, and is scheduled to be completed by mid-November.

The project includes removing the concrete and composite (asphalt over concrete) pavements and restoring the surface condition and ride quality to good condition; drainage improvements, including curb and gutter, storm sewer and culverts; replacing sidewalks and nonmotorized paths; improvements for local transit buses; upgrading sidewalk ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards; building a roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection that incorporates the Bay Street intersection; Cherry Bend Road traffic signal upgrades; and improving driveway access management where possible.

Initial work will include installation of a temporary high intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) pedestrian crossing signal north of the M-72/M-22 intersection, temporary roadway widening in the vicinity of the intersection and along the west side of M-22, traffic signal upgrades at Cherry Bend Road, beginning construction of the new roundabout, and pavement removal on the westbound/northbound lanes.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 246 jobs.

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