St. Clair County residents and those who frequent Allen Road over I-69 should mark their calendars for some upcoming construction headaches. As reported by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), a $2.1 million investment is aimed at revitalizing the Allen Road bridge, starting March 17, 2025, with an estimated completion in July 2025. Michigan Department of Transportation's announcement details a laundry list of improvements including deck replacement, beam repair, and more.
With the closest community being Port Huron, the project is not only a critical infrastructure revision but also a job creator. Based on Michigan Department of Transportation's economic modeling, around 20 jobs are expected to follow. Travelers should prepare for detours as Allen Road will close at the I-69 intersection in both directions, and detours will beckon drivers through Lapeer Road, Range Road, and Griswold Road. Additionally, intermittent lane closures along I-69 are slated, alongside complete highway closures on two sets of weekends — the first being March 21 through March 24.
For those wondering why this inconvenience is being thrust upon them, safety is the primary concern. A smoother, safer driving surface is at the heart of the project according to Michigan Department of Transportation, stating that "Closing lanes during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists." The interruptions to regular traffic patterns, though temporary, are expected to yield long-term benefits for the community's transportation infrastructure.
