Next phase of $27M highway project begins May 29 in Niles

COLOMA, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on Friday that it is set to move to the next phase of the $27 million project to rebuild the interchange at U.S. 12 / M-51 in Niles.

Weather permitting, M-51 will be reduced to one northbound lane north of U.S.12 with southbound M-51 traffic detoured on Oak Street, M-60, and U.S.12, starting Wednesday, May 29.

The detour is expected to be in place for four weeks. 

"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 U.S.12," MDOT said. "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 U.S. 12.

Fast facts:

• M-51 will be reduced to one northbound lane with southbound traffic detoured starting May 29.
• This is the next phase of the $27 million investment to rebuild M-51.
• This entire project will replace the existing US-12/M-51 interchange with a signalized, at-grade intersection with indirect left turns.

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