US12 bridge in Niles being demolished Thursday

NILES, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on Monday the US12 bridge that crosses M51 in Niles will be demolished beginning on Thursday with crews expected to be finished by Sunday. 

MDOT officials say based on economic modeling, the project is expected to directly and indirectly support 383 jobs.

M51 will be closed nightly at the US12 intersection from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for the demolition.

Posted detours for traffic will be on US12 and M60 Business Route (Oak Street/Yankee Street).

The $27 million project to rebuild the US12/M51 interchange in Niles began in November 2023 and is expected to be finished in October.

After the demolition of the overpass, a signalized, at-grade intersection with indirect lefts or 'Michigan lefts' will be constructed.

"The project includes repaving and rebuilding one mile of US12 and nearly three miles of M51, concrete pavement repairs, sidewalk construction, new traffic signals, pavement markings, and new signs," MDOT officials said. 

You can view the full project here.