Repairs are underway at the busy intersection at Chums Corner.
Crews are working on repairing concrete, joints, and asphalt at US-31 and M-37.
“The concrete pavement at that intersection is approximately 15 years old, and with the heavy traffic that goes through that intersection, it’s beginning to show signs of wear and deterioration,” said Melzar Coulter, an assistant construction engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation.
MDOT estimates that between 20,000 and 25,000 cars pass through the intersection each day. Pressure from heavy vehicles making turns and the effects of harsh weather conditions have slowly worn down the pavement.
“So this is really a heavy maintenance project for us; it’s not really constructing something new there,” Coulter explained.
Detours are posted for drivers on US-31. Those traveling north or south on M-37 can continue to use the intersection, but won’t be able to make turns.
MDOT expects to complete the project July 28.
Coulter says the intersection will look and function exactly the same as before once maintenance is over, just with fewer asphalt patches and potholes.
