UPDATE: Closure extended on section of M-139, now reopening in November

COLOMA, Mich. -- UPDATE: MDOT officials now say M-139 will remain closed to through-traffic between Scottdale Road and John Beers Road until November 15.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced on Friday that it will begin work to replace the concrete box culvert for the Big Meadow Drain tributary under M-139 this coming Wednesday (May 1).

"During construction, M-139 will be open to local and emergency traffic only between Scottdale Road and John Beers Road," MDOT said. "The closure is expected to last through Friday, Aug. 30."

Local traffic will be detoured on John Beers Road and Scottdale Road, and commercial traffic will be detoured on U.S. 31, Napier Avenue, and I-94.

"Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 38 jobs," MDOT said. "Replacing the old concrete box culvert under M-139 at the end of its service life will increase the waterway opening for Big Meadow Drain tributary for more natural creek flow and less obstruction."