Grayling Region I-75 Access Project

TIGER Grant Application Website

The focus of this project is to address three primary concerns: provide easier, more direct access for motorists, emergency vehicles, and military transports in the I-75 corridor; alleviate traffic congestion in the Grayling city center; and significantly increase safety for both motorists and non-motorists, alike. To that end, the project incorporates the following:

A full access interchange at I-75 and North Down River Road, which will include reconstruction of the existing southbound exit and northbound entrance ramps, as well as new construction of a southbound entrance and northbound exit ramp.

Road reconstruction of North Down River Road from business loop 75 to I-75. This will widen the road to three traffic lanes, include bicycle lanes, install traffic signals at BL-75 and Michigan Avenue intersections, and construct a new 80' long bridge over the east branch of the Au Sable River.

Road reconstruction of North Down River Road from the railroad spur to BL-75. This will fully reconstruct North Down River Road, including removals, grading, and drainage improvements to meet all-season and military standards.

Road reconstruction of North Down River Road from I-75 to Stephan Bridge Rd. This section will be widened to three traffic lanes (I-75 to Wilcox Bridge Road) and upgrade the remainder to allseason standards. It will include a non-motorized path in the south part of the right-of-way to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources trailhead.

Road reconstruction of Wilcox Bridge Rd from North Down River Road to M-93. This will reconstruct two traffic lanes to all-season standards and will act as a detour route during the North Down River Road bridge construction over I-75 and over the east branch of the Au Sable River. This will also improve horizontal alignment to a minimum 40 mph design speed.

Road reconstruction of BL-75 from M-72 West to North Down River Road. This will reconstruct BL-75's existing 3 lanes with bicycle lanes from North Down River Road to M-72 West.

Road reconstruction of M-72 from BL-75 to Grayling city limits. This will reconstruct M-72's four lanes to three, and will add bicycle lanes from BL-75 to the city limits.

Road reconstruction of M-72/Michigan Department of Natural Resources Path from the city limits to North Down River Road. This will construct a non-motorized path along M-72 and reconstruct the existing path through the MDNR's Rayburn Tract to North Down River Road. This includes the construction of safety upgrades and erosion control measures at the Au Sable River crossing.

Construct a non-motorized path from the school and hospital to the Grayling Township Park. This will construct a paved, non-motorized path between the hospital, school, fish hatchery, North Down River Road and Grayling Township Park. This includes grading, retaining walls, pedestrian bridge over the Au Sable River, and trailhead paving.