ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Wednesday, Escanaba residents and business owners learned about a roadwork project, with a total investment of more than $30 million, beginning next spring.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and DTE Energy held a public meeting at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. Representatives detailed a major reconstruction planned on US-2, along North Lincoln Road and part of Ludington Street, from North 30th Street to Danforth Road.
From April of 2027 through the fall of 2029, crews will be rebuilding the asphalt pavement, moving the 5th Avenue traffic signal to 6th Avenue, installing a new traffic signal at 12th Avenue, creating additional lanes, replacing the Canadian National Railway bridge, and extending sidewalks by filling in gaps. Phase 1 of the project will take place in the first year, running from North 30th Street to 9th Street. Phase 2 will be completed over the next two years, with work spanning from 9th Street to Danforth Road. Construction and detours will be suspended during the winter months.
According to MDOT Crystal Falls Service Center Construction Engineer Steve Cadeau, the work coincides with ongoing City of Escanaba projects.
“The main driver of the project was the aging water main under US-2,” he explained. “The City expressed the need to replace it. We thought, while we’re there digging up the roadway, let’s just replace everything while we’re here. We had funding from the IIJA package, and it was a great opportunity to take advantage of that funding.”
Before work can begin, all utilities in the project area must be relocated. DTE will be moving high-pressure steel gas mains and lower-pressure plastic distribution lines this year. Officials will communicate with business owners ahead of any temporary outages.
MDOT listed several safety and operational improvements that will come out of the project, including the addition of two southbound right-turn lanes at 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue. The City also plans to replace streetlights where water main work is being done.
During construction, southbound and westbound traffic will be directed to Danforth Road and continue on North 30th Street. Eastbound traffic will remain on US-2. The detour route will receive an asphalt overlay. According to MDOT representatives, extensive signage will be posted to let motorists know that the businesses in the area are still open and accessible.
“I know construction can be stressful and it can cause delays,” said Cadeau, “but we ask for motorists to slow down and be patient in our work zones.”
As the project start date draws nearer, MDOT will host additional public meetings and release up-to-date information to the public at michigan.gov/MDOT. Anyone with questions about the project can call the Crystal Falls Transportation Service Center at (906) 875-6644.
