MANCELONA -- Mancelona will be adrift in a summer-long sea of orange construction cones.
The Michigan Department of Transportation plans a $3 million overhaul of U.S. 131, the major thoroughfare through the village. Traffic is expected to be maintained at all times, but some business owners worry about a potential impact on foot traffic.
"If they do the whole thing at once and shut it down, we might as well close our doors," said Tim Bingham, owner of Tim's Tire and Off Road Center.
Bingham's business has a major advantage, though: a side road customers can use to avoid main-drag construction. Ultimately, the work is needed, he said.
"That road needs it big time. It should have been done years ago," Bingham said.
Work is expected to include the removal and replacement of existing cracked and pothole-laden pavement, widening to three lanes, sidewalk replacement, and safety and drainage improvements. The construction zone will stretch about two miles from Elder Road to M-66, north of the village in Antrim County.
"It's reached its lifespan and we're taking the opportunity to extend the left turn lane throughout the downtown section," said Gary Niemi, MDOT development engineer.
Two-way traffic mostly will be maintained, although sometimes only one lane will be open, and there will be no detours around the work zone, Niemi said.
Construction will begin on June 8 and is expected to continue through the end of October.
Mancelona received a federal grant to provide decorative sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, all to be incorporated into the project.
Daniel Witkowski, chief executive officer of Members Credit Union, said their members can use a back road to reach their parking lot.
"It's just a rough time to do it, economy-wise," he said.
The Dura Automotive plant in Mancelona closed last year, and many businesses have struggled to hold on in the jobs-hungry town. Businesses that remain don't need any additional pressure right now, although an improved highway through town is an appealing outcome, Witkowski said.
"If they can hold on and get through this period, it will be for the better," he said.
MDOT will host an open house meeting to answer residents' questions on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mancelona Township Hall, 9610 Highway M-88 in Mancelona.
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