MDOT workers changed the lights at the intersection of County Road 612 and M-72 last Thursday morning. By afternoon, the Òroad closedÓ barricades had been removed, signaling the end of Phase I of US-131 construction. Photos by Heidi Berden

This past Thursday, MDOT workers returned the stoplights at the north end of Kalkaska back to normal and removed the "road closed" barricades.

Phase 1, from County Road 612/M-72 to Twin Lake Road, is complete. Phase 2 will focus on US- 131 north from Twin Lake Road to Elder Road, just south of Mancelona.

The $8.5 million US-131 reconstruction project remains on target for completion in early November.

The Phase 2 portion of US-131, north of Twin Lake Road, will be open on a flagged basis, providing access to businesses and residences while crews finish that stretch.

"Work on Phase 1 moved along very efficiently," said David Pax, assistant resident engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

"Hopefully, work on Phase 2 will go as smoothly."

Weather remains a deciding factor in completing the entire project by November.

"August should be good, but once you get into mid to late September and beyond, weather can become a problem. Right now, we're on track for November."

Work on Phase 2 will follow the same, general pattern as was used during Phase 1. The construction area from Twin Lake Road north to Elder Road will remain open on a limited basis, providing access to and from businesses and residences along that stretch of US-131.

Pax reminds motorists that use of the detour route is recommended for through traffic. "Use of the detour really helps expedite work in the construction area," Pax said.

Another road construction endeavor involves milling and resurfacing on M-72, extending east from US- 131 in Kalkaska to the Crawford County line. Cost of that project is just under $1.2 million.

"The completion date is early August," said Michigan Department of Transportation Engineer Judy Browning, who also is the head construction engineer on the US-131 roadwork that's been ongoing since late May.

Minor curb work along the approximate 15-mile stretch of M-72 began during the week of July 9. The contractor for the project is Payne and Dolan of Escanaba The contractor has started intermittent milling, or grinding off a layer of the existing surface that will be paved back with asphalt.

"Not all places will receive the same treatment because several passing lanes have been constructed in recent years that have a newer surface than surrounding areas," Browning said.

Traffic will be controlled throughout the resurfacing project by alternating one lane at a time using regulators - better known as "flaggers." Work crews will be on the job weekly from Monday through Friday during daylight hours only.

"We're not anticipating any weekend work," the MDOT engineer said, adding that the contractor will maintain access to adjacent homes and businesses during the construction period.