NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- A new road promises to increase tourism at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township.

State and local representatives broke ground Thursday on the new road, which will connect the museum to US 41.

The $667,000 project is the first museum funded by the Mchigan Institutional Roads Program.
    
The road will connect to US 41 just west of North Oak Manufacturing in Negaunee Township, making the museum easier to find.

"Right now we average 13,000 visitors a year, and we predict we'll be closer to 40,000, or triple the attendance each year by having access off US 41," said Museum Board Member, Gerald Corkin.

The Michigan Department of Transportation hopes to have the project complete by July of next year.