MDOT, Marquette County partner on roundabout at M-533/County Road 480 intersection

Fast facts:

• The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Marquette County Road Commission plan to build a modern roundabout at the M-553/Marquette County Road 480 intersection.
• The project is scheduled for 2029.
• Each agency will shoulder half of the approximate $2.8 million project cost.

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Marquette County Road Commission (MCRC) plan to build a modern roundabout at the busy M-553/Marquette County Road 480 intersection south of Marquette in 2029.

"We're excited to partner with the county to reconfigure an intersection where we've long felt a roundabout would work best," said MDOT Ishpeming Transportation Service Center Manager Rob Tervo. "Benefits of this roundabout will include a safer and more efficient flow of traffic on the busy corridor between Marquette, Gwinn and the airport."

A funding partnership between MDOT and the county has made this roundabout possible. MDOT and the MCRC will fund the $2.8 million project, with each agency shouldering half the cost.

"There's no question the traveling public has been wanting a roundabout at that intersection. The challenge has always been funding," said MCRC Managing Director Pete Duex. "Our board encouraged and supported the creative collaboration with MDOT to partner on a deal to get this done. This is a great example of what can happen when units of government work together. We're proud to be part of it."

Fortunately, this intersection has not seen a pattern of serious crashes. However, during busy traffic periods, backups and delays have been common.

More project information will be announced prior to the start of the project. Up-to-date information will also be posted on at https://www.Michigan.gov/Drive. Learn more online about roundabouts and why MDOT builds them.