Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NILES — The Michigan Department of Transportation is set to move to the next phase of its $27 million investment to rebuild the US-12/M-51 interchange in Niles.

Starting Wednesday, May 29, weather permitting, M-51 will be reduced to one northbound lane north of US-12 with southbound M-51 traffic detoured on Oak Street, M-60, and US-12. The detour is expected to be in place for four weeks. M-51 will have one lane open in direction south of US-12.

Curb and sidewalk work has been completed along southbound M-51, new traffic signal foundations have been installed, and curb work has been completed along the new lanes of westbound US-12. Work being completed on M-51 under this new traffic pattern will include pavement removal, excavation, base replacement, drainage improvements, concrete patching, and paving operations. This work will be completed concurrently with the work along US-12.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 383 jobs.

Anticipated Lanes closures and/or impacts after the M-51 traffic switch is completed

• Eastbound US-12: Traffic will continue utilizing temporary ramps, and signalized intersection at M-51.
• Westbound US-12: Traffic will continue utilizing crossovers, temporary ramps, and signalized intersection at M-51.
• Northbound M-51: Will remain in the current Northbound M-51 lane, 1 lane of travel for Northbound M- 51 Traffic throughout the project limits.
• Southbound M-51: A full detour will be implemented for all Southbound M-51 traffic from M-60BR to US- 12. South of US-12, traffic will be maintained with 1 lane for Southbound traffic.
• Northbound 3rd Street: No impacts anticipated at this time.
• Southbound 3rd Street: No impacts anticipated at this time.
• Non-motorized Path along 3rd Street: No impacts anticipated at this time.