Update on bypass

Officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation have issued an update on progress of the U.S. 131 Constantine bypass project.

MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the $18 million undertaking remains within budget and on target for completion in late November.

Work on the 4.9-mile bypass started in February. Schirripa said crews are currently setting bridge beams and building piers for the span that will cross the St. Joseph River.

Meanwhile, crews have completed the topsoil stripping for the new roadway, and are in the process of building roadside ditches and putting down the sand sub-base.

Paving, he said, is expected to begin within two weeks.