$5 million in road work begins in western UP

By RALPH ANSAMI

[email protected]

Chip sealing projects costing $5 million are under way in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties.

The Michigan Department of Transportation said work started Wednesday on U.S. 45, M-28 and M-64, with the closest towns being Bergland, Bruce Crossing, Marenisco, Silver City and White Pine.

The completion date is estimated at Aug. 22.

MDOT is investing $5 million to chip seal 52 miles of roadway in the two counties.

Segments to be chip sealed are:

—M-64, south from M-28 to U.S. 2.

—M-64, north from M-28 to the M-107 junction (Silver City.)

—U.S. 45, north of Bruce Crossing, from the Baltimore River north to the M-26 junction.

—M-28, from Bruce Crossing east to Calderwood Road.

The project will require single-lane closures under flag control, according to Dan Weingarten, of MDOT.

“The project involves sealing the existing pavement, which will reduce further pavement cracking while also providing increased surface friction. Some deteriorated shoulders, along with bumps, dips and ruts, were repaved prior to chip sealing for better ride quality, safety and drainage,” Weingarten said.

He can be reached at 906-250-4809.eingarten said.