To upgrade and extend the life of M-60 in Calhoun and Branch Counties, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Southwest Region Marshall Transportation Service Center (TSC) rehabilitated more than 8 miles of the trunkline highway. Wade Trim designed the multi-course, Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlay and rehabilitation project from the St. Joseph-Branch County line east to 8 Mile Road, through the Villages of Sherwood and Union City and Burlington Township. The project received an Award of Merit in the category of Projects Over 30,000 Tons from the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan and MDOT. Michigan Paving and Materials Co. was the Contractor. Projects were judged based on rideability; uniformity in paving; joint composition; accuracy of roadway edges, utility covers and approaches; and degree of difficulty.
Wade Trim provided roadway rehabilitation, traffic engineering and drainage design expertise. Drainage assessments were performed, and 115 culverts were inspected, with 59 ultimately replaced. Rather than trenching and laying new aggregate for the base of the shoulder, the project team opted to overlay the existing aggregate shoulder, reducing time and cost. In addition, a lane realignment was implemented at the intersection of M-60 and M-66 to improve safety. The project included reconstruction of the shoulder, intersection curb and gutter, and adjustment of manholes. Traffic was maintained throughout construction.