ELK RAPIDS -- If you’re coming from Traverse City, it’s the road that takes you to Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. But next summer, you’ll have to find a different route or expect a longer trip.

MDOT Development Engineer, Gary Niemi says, "It has met it’s life span. There are things you can do to extend a life, but once the road hits the bottom of our grading system, the money you spend to do a preventative maintenance job is not money well spent."

Next construction season, MDOT is upgrading five miles of US 31 from River Street to Campbell Road in Elk Rapids. The $3 million dollar project includes crushing and reshaping the street, making improvements to the drainage system, adding some lighting, and extending the sidewalk for pedestrians. 20% of the funding is coming from the state’s gas tax and the rest is coming from the federal government. With money shortages, MDOT officials are relieved they can move forward with this project.

Niemi says, "We're lucky in this area that this job was not listed under delayed."

MDOT will keep one lane of traffic open, alternating in each direction during construction. Access to businesses and residences will be provided at all times. They say drivers can expect about a ten minute delay when passing through.