Update - M-94 flood repairs will begin this spring

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2016 

CONTACT: Dan Weingarten, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-4809
                      weingartend@michigan.gov

Update: M-94 flood repairs will begin this spring 

 

Fast facts:
- MDOT officials have determined that repairing the M-94 culvert washout will be better done beginning in spring 2017. 

- Beginning work in the spring as opposed to this winter will be more cost-effective and provide a higher-quality repair project.
- M-94 was closed Oct. 18 after a four-culvert system failed during a flood event, washing out a section of the roadway. 

November 7, 2016 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to begin repairs on the M-94 culvert washout as soon as possible in spring 2017. 

           M-94 was closed Oct. 18 after a four-culvert system carrying the east branch of the Chocolay River failed during a flood event, washing out a large section of roadway.

           "We approached this emergency repair project with the goal of getting it done as quickly as possible, ideally before the dead of winter set in," said Aaron Johnson, manager of MDOT's Ishpeming Transportation Service Center. "We've now determined that the best course of action is to begin the project as early as possible in the spring."

           MDOT has investigated the cost and timeline for fabricating a new structure to replace the culverts that would meet all requirements, and found that contractors and vendors would face significant weather challenges and expenses if the project were begun this year.

           "We want to ensure we are getting the highest quality and best value for taxpayer dollars," Johnson said. "That's why we've decided not to begin this project in the winter."

           Until construction can be completed, M-94 will remain closed between County Road 545 South and US-41, with commercial truck and passenger vehicle detour routes in place. Commercial truck traffic on US-41 headed toward the K.I. Sawyer area should follow CR 480 to M-553. Trucks on US-2 headed toward the K.I. Sawyer area should follow M-35 to M-553.  

           For passenger vehicles, westbound through-traffic should use the signed detour route from Town Hall Road to CR 545 North, then south to M-94. The route is reversed for eastbound traffic. MDOT plans to upgrade the pavement on the detour route to improve driving conditions this winter.

           "While we realize the detour will be an inconvenience for area motorists, MDOT is asking for everyone's patience while we put together the best possible solution to this flood damage," Johnson said.
 

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