Vehicles wait for the go ahead to continue on a stretch of U.S. 41 near Greenville and Wawonowin Road in West Ishpeming. Wait times were nearing 30 minutes as the lines of cars kept growing. (Journal photo by Antonio Anderson)

ISHPEMING – Contractors worked on an ongoing road repair project near Wawonowin Golf Club on U.S. 41 this week, leading to a 30 minute delay for those on their morning commute

This construction project is among several on various sections of Upper Peninsula highways which will be continuing throughout the summer.

“The contractor told us that they experienced greater than expected traffic, especially from side roads trying to enter the highway,” said Superior Region communications representative with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Dan Weingarten. “This led to longer delays. As the delays increased, they decided to move their operation further west and the traffic congestion eased. They may try again … to work on the area near Wawonowin, but they should be finished with that stretch of highway within the next few days.”

This road repair includes fixing up potholes and various cracks in the road.

“Crack sealing, which involves applying a flexible compound into existing cracks, is done at various locations every year to asphalt pavements to prevent water and debris from entering, which can cause further deterioration,” Weingarten noted. “It’s a cost-effective method to extend the life of the pavement.”

Due to the moving nature of this crack repair operation, and the various stages of disrepair the road sections are in, where and when the road repairs take place are unknown. One way to keep track of traffic is by using Google Map while another is calling MDOT which is overseeing the repairs.

“We regret any inconvenience to drivers while this important maintenance work was ongoing,” said Weingarten.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.