The intersection at M-533 and County Road 480 is pictured. (Journal photo by Annie Lippert)

SANDS — The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced that it is partnering with Marquette County on a roundabout installation at the intersection of M-533 and County Road 480 at the crossroads.

The project, which is scheduled for 2029, will cost approximately $2.8 million, and the cost will be split evenly between MDOT and Marquette County.

“We’re excited to partner with the county to reconfigure an intersection where we’ve long felt a roundabout would work best,” said MDOT Ishpeming Transportation Service Center Manager Rob Tervo. “Benefits of this roundabout will include a safer and more efficient flow of traffic on the busy corridor between Marquette, Gwinn and the airport.”

The intersection is currently a four-way stop, which becomes incredibly busy during rush hour periods and experiences frequent backups and delays. According to MDOT, roundabouts have been proven to reduce traffic delays and overall congestion.

“There’s no question the traveling public has been wanting a roundabout at that intersection. The challenge has always been funding,” said MCRC Managing Director Pete Duex. “Our board encouraged and supported the creative collaboration with MDOT to partner on a deal to get this done. This is a great example of what can happen when units of government work together. We’re proud to be part of it.”

More information will be released closer to the project’s start date and will also be posted on Michigan.gov/drive. More information about roundabouts is available at https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/safety/road-users/roundabouts.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.