US-12 bridge demolition over M-51 in Niles starts Thursday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT Nick Schirripa 269-208-7829 SchirripaN@Michigan.gov

 

US-12 bridge demolition over M-51 in Niles starts Thursday

Fast facts:

• M-51 will be detoured at US-12 during bridge demolition.
• The demolition is expected to take three days. The $27 million investment started in November 2023, with the anticipated completion this October.
• This project will replace the existing US-12/M-51 interchange with a signalized, at-grade intersection with indirect left turns.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - As part of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project to rebuild the US-12/M-51 interchange in Niles, Berrien County, crews will be demolishing the US-12 bridges over M-51 from Thursday, Feb. 1, through Sunday, Feb. 4.

M-51 will be closed nightly at US-12 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for the demolition. Posted detours for M-51 traffic will be on US-12 and M-60 Business Route (Oak Street/Yankee Street).

Once bridge removal is completed, work will continue on the US-12 corridor to build the new US-12/M-51 intersection. This $27 million investment includes removing the US-12 bridges and ramps at M-51 and replacing the interchange with a signalized, at-grade intersection and indirect left turns, or Michigan Lefts. The project includes repaving and rebuilding 1 mile of US-12 and 2.7 miles of M-51, concrete pavement repairs, sidewalk construction, new traffic signals, pavement markings, and new signs.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 383 jobs.

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Stay focused and safe! Slow down, stay alert, and give plows room to work.