HOUGHTON — The Michigan Department of Transportation will place the new traffic signal on M-26 at Canal Road in Houghton into flash mode beginning Wednesday, July 2. 

The signal will be placed into full operation on Wednesday, July 9, with green, amber and red phases for all directions. This schedule is subject to change.

MDOT urges drivers to be aware of these signal changes and use caution when approaching the intersection.

The department has been monitoring the intersection for several years. Traffic counts from this past summer show that a traffic signal is now warranted during the peak summer season. MDOT plans to operate the new signal from approximately May until October each year with the signal placed in flash mode during the winter months. The exact schedule for seasonal operation of the signal will depend on traffic volumes and weather conditions. 

The new signal will improve the safety and operation of the intersection during the peak traffic season.