Chip sealing on M-119 in Emmet County finished weeks early, detours lifted

GAYLORD, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and its contractors have completed chip sealing 20 miles of M-119 in Emmet County more than five weeks ahead of schedule and have lifted the associated detours.

MDOT invested $1.1 to resurface M-119 from Ann Street in Harbor Springs to North State Road/Chippewa Drive in Cross Village. Remaining work, including pavement markings, will be completed without detours. Two portions of the roadway damaged during flooding in April remain closed until repairs can be made.

"We understand that with the flooding damage on M-119, this work to keep the roadway in good condition was an additional inconvenience for residents and visitors," said MDOT Gaylord Transportation Service Center (TSC) Construction Engineer Brad Swanson. "Our contractors worked long hours to get this work done as quickly as possible as early in the summer tourism season as they could, and we appreciate everyone's patience."

The chip sealing project started on May 11 and was originally scheduled to be completed by July 24. Detours were expected to be in place until June 27.

This project will help preserve the roadway condition and extend the service life of the pavement.

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