ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The roundabout construction at the intersection of Lakeshore Dr. And US-41 is expected to begin this fall. In the past, community members expressed very opposed opinions on roundabouts being constructed around town, however, due to safety concerns and crash signings in this intersection, they’re now more enthused. “This intersection has had a history of severe crashes and fatal crashes over the years,” commented MDOT Communications Director, Dan Weingarten.
$6.4 million dollars in safety funds have been deligated towards the roundabout project.
This fall phase one will begin, and the north side of Lakeshore Dr. will be widened in order to make room for the roundabout. In the spring of 2024, phase two will be started, and the south side of Lakeshore Dr. will be closed and detours will be put in place to assist the flow of traffic. “During that time there will be detours to Country Lane in order to access the hospital, also during that time there’s a third detour that’s set up for truck traffic and that’s over on Mountain Rd. in order to keep the trucks out of the downtown,” commented MDOT Engineer Al Anderson.
Although the plan of construction demands road detours, businesses like the Cliff Shaft Museum expressed that the construction is going to directly impact their tourist season, and revenue coming into the museum.
“Phase 2 is our entire summer season and you’re not going to be able to turn at that location to get to the museum,” said Cliff Shaft Museum Board Member Chris Gleason.
“It will have an impact on traffic through the area there’s no way around that…roundabouts are proving to be a really good safety measure in Marquette we’ve used them in a number of places,” continued Weingarten.
Phase 3 will begin next year (2024) as well, adding the lanes around the roundabout, and in phase 4, the center of the intersection will be replaced and the roundabout will be finished.
MDOT hopes to finish the four stages by October 2024.
