Drivers who use US-41 near Maple Grove in Marquette County will hit one-lane traffic starting Thursday, Aug. 20, when a $900,000 resurfacing project begins on a 3.5-mile stretch of the highway.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced the project in a press release Monday, Aug. 10, from its Ishpeming office. Crews will cold-mill and resurface US-41 from the Alger County line to Marquette County Road 456, then apply new pavement markings across the corridor.

Cold milling removes the top layer of deteriorated asphalt before a fresh surface is laid. MDOT said the work will extend the lifespan of the roadway and increase safety for motorists along the stretch.

What drivers should expect

Flaggers and traffic regulators will control alternating one-lane traffic through the work zone for the duration of the project. MDOT's press release describes one-lane alternating traffic but does not indicate a full road closure or detour.

The tentative start date is Thursday, Aug. 20. MDOT estimates work will continue through Friday, Oct. 30, weather permitting.

The agency said the $900,000 investment is expected to directly and indirectly support eight jobs, based on economic modeling.

Contact and resources

Dan Weingarten, MDOT's Superior Region media representative, is the project contact and can be reached at 906-250-4809.

Motorists can track construction progress and plan routes using MDOT's Mi Drive map at Michigan.gov/Drive.

More construction in the Marquette area

The US-41 project adds to an active construction season in the region. The city's Wright Street reconstruction, which began Wednesday, Aug. 12, is expected to close that corridor to through traffic for 11 weeks.

Drivers heading through the Maple Grove area between now and late October should budget extra time for flagging operations on US-41.