Work is expected to begin next week on a new bridge on M-94 over the east branch of the Chocolay River. The bridge washed out the roadway, shown above, during heavy rainfall in mid-October. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Transportation)

MARQUETTE — Work is expected to begin next week on a new bridge on M-94 over the east branch of the Chocolay River that washed out the roadway during heavy rainfall in mid-October.

The project in Chocolay Township, which includes replacing damaged culverts, is estimated to cost $1.8 million, with work to be completed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, according to a release from MDOT.

M-94 between Marquette County Road 545 South and U.S. 41 will remain closed, with commercial truck and passenger vehicle detour routes in place, the release states.

MDOT officials said commercial truck traffic on U.S. 41 headed toward the K.I. Sawyer area should follow Marquette County Road 480 to M-553, while trucks on U.S. 2 headed toward the area should follow M-35 to M-553.

The detour route for passenger vehicles is Town Hall Road, Marquette County Road 545 and M-94.

Construction of the bridge is expected to be completed by July 14.

Heavy rainfall around Oct. 18 caused flooding of the east branch of the Chocolay River and led to the failure of a four-culvert system under M-94. The washout was estimated to be about 90 feet wide and to a depth of about 35 feet.

Troopers with the Michigan State Police post in Negaunee Township said flooding levels ranged from 4 inches to 3 feet in certain areas.

The storm event and high flood waters left several people stranded in the early morning hours of Oct. 18, but emergency responders said they were safely removed from their flooded homes before daylight.

Ryan Jarvi can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 270. His email address is rjarvi@miningjournal.net.