Traffic lights installed on M-13 near US-23 overpass
Lights installed to control traffic while overpass is under construction
STANDISH TOWNSHIP — Motorists who are traveling on M-13 near the US-23 overpass will notice new traffic lights on their commute.
Bay County Transportation Service Center Manager Gregg Brunner said the traffic lights are necessary for the intersection as construction begins on the overpass. The overpass has been closed since Friday, Sept. 17, when a truck with a high boom heading southbound on M-13 hit the US-23 overpass.
The damaged section was removed, and motorists traveling down US-23 have had to use the southbound exit and cross four lanes to head north.
“This light will allow motorists to safely turn left on to M-13 while construction is ongoing,” Brunner said.
Arenac County Road Commission Manager/Superintendent Blair Dyer said since the section of the overpass was removed, the area has been dangerous.
“Traffic gets all backed up,” he said. “The ramp is not set up for it. You have cars darting across the lanes. It’s dangerous.”
Brunner said bids for the construction of the overpass will be selected November 5, and construction will begin later in November.
“We are planning to have construction of the (overpass) completed by mid-January,” he said. “We are still on track to complete this process.”
Brunner said traffic on M-13 and US-23 usually increases during the fall when hunting season begins.
“The light will accommodate traffic and keep everyone safe,” he said.