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Chippewa County Road Commission sets Mackinac Trail milling May 27; paving to start June 2 and finish by July 4
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Summary
Manager Laitinen told the board the Mackinac Trail project will begin milling May 27, paving June 2, and is expected to finish July 4; he also updated the board on Mackinac Bridge/Chub Creek work, 16 Mile bypass challenges after an EGLE vegetation restriction, and upcoming mobilization to the 12 Mile bypass site.
Manager Laitinen updated the Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners on May 22 on the commission’s busiest construction season yet, detailing schedules and constraints for several projects.
Laitinen said construction on Mackinac Trail will begin at M-28 and head north, with milling set to start May 27, 2025, paving to begin June 2, 2025, and the project expected to be completed by July 4, 2025. He also reported that work at the Mackinac Bridge/Chub Creek site is progressing: significant excavation has been completed, the box structure has been removed, and crews have begun work in the water following a meeting with MDOT and the contractor to address project issues.
On the 16 Mile Road bypass, Laitinen told the board that staff must build up the road over existing organic materials because the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requested that vegetation not be removed. That constraint has made construction more difficult; Laitinen said the area should be ready for the contractor by the second week of June. Equipment for the 12 Mile Bypass Road site is scheduled to be mobilized soon.
Laitinen also noted the commission has received two applications for an open mechanic position, with one interview scheduled and one applicant awaiting response, and he said the state legislature was still discussing funding bills that may affect road commission budgets.
The manager’s report covered project timing and operational constraints but did not include revised cost estimates or contract award details. The commission will proceed with advertised contractor schedules and follow up on permit and environmental conditions as required.