Concrete repairs on US-127 to shut down part of highway over weekend

Southbound US-127 will be completely closed from Grand River Avenue to I-496, including the southbound US-127 ramp to westbound I-496, starting Friday, Aug. 3.

MDOT is putting in over $2 million to repair the concrete along 13 miles of that stretch of US-127.

"It will be a much better ride through here," said Jason Early, who works for MDOT. "The goal is to extend the life of the pavement."

There will be a detour posted but drivers will have to exit US-127 at Grand River Avenue, and then take Howard Street south to the next available on-ramp.

Also, eastbound Saginaw Street will have single-lane closures.

And it's not over yet. MDOT says this is the first phase of work planned for many weekends in a row.

In addition to this stretch of U.S. 127, there is also work planned to the north, from Grand River Avenue to the Interstate 69 interchange. For that part of the project, MDOT said it will have at least one lane open.

Crews will also eventually tackle Interstate 69 from the US 127 interchange to the county line.

Drivers are advised to take alternate routes.

"The real story will be on Monday when commuters come through and it's a much smoother ride and better quality pavement for them," said Early.