In years past, drivers heading south from Traverse City on M-37 had to be especially cautious when they reached the intersection at M-115. The junction between these two Michigan highways never seemed like it should have been a big problem, but dozens of accidents over the years and plenty of complaints from drivers calling the spot the most dangerous intersection in the state forced the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to pay attention. After considering numerous options for the M-37/M-115 intersection—including a new traffic light system—MDOT decided that a roundabout would be the best option to facilitate safer driving. Enter Team Elmer’s to handle the heavy lifting.

The project was the third and final phase of an ongoing collaborative effort between MDOT and Team Elmer’s this year to make M-37 a safer place for drivers. After replacing throughout M-37 earlier this year, as well as overhauling a curve-ridden passage on Sherman Hill, Team Elmer’s returned to the highway yet again after Labor Day to implement the new roundabout at the M-115 intersection.

Elmer’s had their work cut out for them. The M-37/M-115 intersection has long been a busy section of highway, surrounded by businesses that make their revenues from stop-in drivers. Since the MDOT detour circulated most travelers around the M-37/M-115 hub, those businesses were worried about the roundabout project cutting off their source of customers for weeks or possibly months at a time. In order to prevent substantial disruption, Team Elmer’s put their noses to the grindstone, commencing the project on September 4 and putting the finishing touches on the roundabout after just 21 days of work. That’s what we call a fast track!

Throughout those three weeks, Elmer’s stormed through complicated procedures involving existing electrical wiring, replacement gutters, and overhauled storm drainage systems. Robotic equipment allowed Elmer’s to error-proof the project and execute the perfect subgrade elevation without arduous staking by hand, while gravel bases and torn up roadways quickly transformed into exquisite pavement and fully-restored surrounding landscapes. By the time Elmer’s painted the lines on the pavement and positioned traffic control signs around the roundabout, the once-dangerous M-37/M-115 intersection was no more, replaced by a system that will leave no question as to which driver has the right of way. With any luck, the intersection’s accident count will now drop to zero.

By the Numbers

• Days Worked:  21
• Aggregates Used:  5583 Tons
• Bituminous Coal Used:  7184 Tons
• Amount of Curb Laid:  5408 Linear Feet        
• Amount of Pipe Laid:  891 Linear Feet
• Amount of Concrete Delivered:  747.25 Cubic Yards
• Size of Sidewalk:  8448 Square Feet

Date Started: September 4, 2013
Date Completed: September 26, 2013
Partners: Zimmerman Electric, Martin J Concrete, PK Contracting, Diane Dukes Inc., Give-Em-A-Brake
Self-Performed: 84%