MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking input from business owners and residents about a proposed roundabout project on U.S. 41 in Marquette Township.

Representatives from MDOT, Marquette Township and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting to discuss the project from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Marquette Township Community Center, located at 1000 Commerce Drive.

The work being proposed includes a $6.7 million U.S. 41 reconstruction and roundabout project, and the $2.5 million creation of a multiuse trail and tunnel that would connect the Noquemanon Trail Network’s north and south trails, as well as allow access to snowmobile Trail 14.

The project, which is slated to begin in 2019, will reconstruct U.S. 41 from Marquette County Road 492 to just west of Brickyard Road, extending the existing boulevard-style median. The westbound lanes will be moved north to accomodate space needed for the divided highway.

MDOT officials said signalized intersections at Brickyard Road and County Road 492, near Walmart and Target, will be replaced by two roundabouts as part of the project, in addition to the construction of indirect left-turn lanes, otherwise known as Michigan lefts.

Roundabouts have been proven to safely decrease traffic delays and congestion, MDOT’s website states.

There will be a short presentation at 5 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer period and opportunities for residents and business owners to also speak one-on-one with MDOT, Marquette Township and DNR officials.

The project, including the underpass, will also be discussed by the Marquette Township Board during its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the community center.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.