The road allows for much better access to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a draw for both counties
ALGER COUNTY -- Both local and state officials are looking forward to what other developments this road can provide, now that it's open to traffic.
Friday morning, the ribbon was cut on the new H-58 bridge over the Hurricane River in Alger County. The $14 million paving project, completed last week, is still receiving some finishing touches, but is open to traffic.
"We're pleased to have constructed a roadway that is serviceable and, at the same time, it's also complementary to the environment of the national lakeshore," says Bob Linchek, engineer manager of the Alger County Road Commission.
It took about five years to complete the nearly 20-mile project, in part because legal and legislative issues had to be resolved before paving could even begin.
Doug Miron, who helped spearhead the project and is chairman of the road commission, says it's all been worth it.
"It's going to enhance commerce, tourism, logging, entrepreneurs, and businesses, real estate; it's something that has to be done. The road was in deplorable condition," says Miron. "We just couldn't maintain it anymore, it had to be repaired."
Besides admiring the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula, what else will this new stretch of road do for the area?
Legislators hope this is just the beginning.
"Economically, it really ties the county together and economic development, you're already seeing signs of new businesses springing up, especially on the east end by Grand Marais and Melstrand, that are up there, so for us, not only does it complement the park, it's a great economic boost for the county," says Congressman Bart Stupak (D) of the 1st District.
The Hurricane River Bridge, the last part of the H-58 paving project, is expected to be completely finished by the end of the month.
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