Traffic changes for I-75 BL (South Otsego Avenue) project in Gaylord start July 9

GAYLORD, Mich. - For the next phase of theMichigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) $13.3 million project to rebuild 2.2 miles of the I-75 Business Loop (BL) (South Otsego Avenue)between southbound I-75 Exit 279 and Wisconsin Avenue/Grandview Boulevard in Gaylord, traffic patterns will change at the McCoy Road intersection.

Beginning July 9, the west leg of the McCoy Road intersection will be closed while crews rebuild that portion of the intersection and remove temporary pavement. For about two weeks, the intersection will be closed to eastbound and westbound McCoy Road traffic. Northbound and southbound I-75 BL traffic will be moved into the new roundabout at McCoy Road.

Beginning July 23, weather permitting, the roundabout will be partially open to McCoy Road traffic. Eastbound McCoy Road traffic will be able to turn south at the intersection, while westbound McCoy Road traffic will be able to turn north at the intersection.

Eastbound McCoy Road through-traffic will remain detoured on Dickerson Road, Otsego Lake Drive, South Otsego Avenue, Johnson Road, and Krys Road; westbound McCoy Road through-traffic will remain detoured on Krys Road, M-32, and Dickerson Road.

The roundabout is expected to be fully opened in early August. Work on other portions of I-75 BL will require lane closures and traffic shifts with one lane open in each direction.

The project includes rebuilding the asphalt roadway, a new roundaboutat McCoy Road, nonmotorized pathways, and streetscape improvements. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 188 jobs.

When completed, this project will provide separated pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists along the corridor and will improve safety and traffic flow at the McCoy Road intersection.