MACKINAC ISLAND, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Work on this year’s project to rebuild M-185 on Mackinac Island and armor it against future erosion has finished on time and on budget.
The Michigan Department of Transportation invested about $6 million this year to repair high-water and wave erosion damage on the shoreline along M-185. Roughly 4 miles of the highway around the island sustained severe damage that escalated in fall 2019 and winter 2020.
This year’s project represented the third and final phase of road work after earlier emergency repair projects were completed. The work was designed to restore a safe pavement surface on M-185 and mitigate future erosion damage.
The project, which began in May, repaired and upgraded armor stone along M-185, primarily along the eastern and northern shore of the island.
Work also included pavement repairs to previously washed out and damaged roadway.
Pavement markings will be painted on the road next year as part of a region-wide painting contract.
