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Major project on US 41 in Marquette Township worth inconvenience

Orange cones and barrels aren’t at the top of the list of things motorists want to see when they’re driving on a busy section of highway. However, roads need to be upgraded and improved, even if it’s just maintaining the status quo.

A major project that should improve the region involves work on U.S. 41 in Marquette Township.

Fortunately, the project is on schedule, and according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, work on two roundabouts and a big portion of the pedestrian underpass is expected to be completed before winter.

That’s a relief considering the type of winters for which the area is known.

Already, the north side of the roundabout at the U.S. 41 and Marquette County Road 492 intersection has been completed, including concrete and paving work. This entails the north side from the driveway into Target to the Brickyard Road roundabout — a busy section.

Paving on the north side of the second roundabout at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Brickyard Road was expected to start Tuesday.

The underpass from the north to the south side of U.S. 41 is anticipated to be open for snowmobilers this winter. The part of the project that will affect bicyclists and pedestrians will be completed next year.

The entire project is expected to be complete around June 20.

Not everyone is on board with roundabouts, but they have been to shown to improve traffic flow. They have been installed in the city of Marquette at the intersections of U.S. 41 and Front Street, Wright Street and Sugar Loaf Avenue, Wright Street and Lincoln Avenue, and Presque Isle and Fair avenues.

No major problems seem to have occurred.

There remains, though, the construction challenges for the abundance of traffic on U.S. 41, especially in the area that’s heavy with retail establishments.

Officials ask for travelers’ patience as two more traffic shifts are expected, with one coming next week.

Construction won’t last forever, and it should be worth all the trouble when it’s finished, especially for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

That’s a big chunk of the population.

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