Crews resurfacing Dixie Highway said work is running smoothly, and local businesses agree.
Fred Ritter, owner of Clarkston Auto Wash, said so far the project has had little impact on his business.
‘The last time the road was worked on was like 1987, the road was a washboard and full of potholes,? said Ritter. ‘We hope our customers are patient, and continue their loyalty.?
Ritter also said drivers are courteous, so traffic has been moving pretty well.
Dr. Greg Ramboer of Lifepointe Chiropractic echoed Ritter’s thoughts, and said the roads desperately needed repair.
‘There is never a good time to do it, but once it’s done it will be done for a long time,? said Ramboer. “It’s not really impacted our business. In fact, people who may not have seen our building before may see it now because traffic has slowed down.?
Ramboer said he also notices crews are always out working.
‘We were working on the northbound lanes, and switched to working on the southbound lanes on May 13,” said Danny Lawler, project supervisor for Dan’s Excavating.
The first phase of the project began between Frembes and M-15. Executive Director of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Penny Shanks said Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is keeping drivers informed with a twitter feed and emails.
‘They are trying to be proactive with the project,? Shanks said.
MDOT is spending $19.2 million on the nine-mile resurfacing project from Telegraph Road north to I-75, with intermittent lane closures throughout the project.
Other upgrades include sewer and drainage work, utility upgrades, driveway approach and catch basins replacements. Some sidewalks throughout the project are also being replaced in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
MDOT expects the work, which began March 25, to be completed by November.
Additional updates can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive. For project alerts, visit www.michigan.gov/getmdotinfo or MDOT Twitter Feed, www.twitter.com/mdot_metrodet.