After months of delays, detours and congestion, traffic is finally flowing again on Washington Street in Owosso. The busy stretch just south of M-21 officially reopened to drivers on Monday, marking the end of a seven-month construction project that disrupted one of the city’s most heavily traveled routes.
The reopening came as Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews wrapped up finishing work on the corridor. Throughout the afternoon, downtown Owosso experienced slow-moving traffic as orange cones, lane closures and MDOT vehicles continued occupying portions of the road.
At around 5 p.m., drivers heading west on M-21 found only one lane open between Park and Ball streets as crews packed up equipment. Multiple MDOT trucks still lined the roadway, causing backups that spilled into the downtown area.
The reconstruction work aimed to improve safety, extend the lifespan of the roadway and enhance traffic flow. The seven-month effort included roadway removal, underground utility upgrades, resurfacing and sidewalk improvements designed to make pedestrian access safer.
While the project was necessary, local drivers and nearby businesses dealt with long months of inconvenience ranging from increased travel time to limited access to storefronts. With the reopening, Owosso residents are expecting relief and a smoother holiday shopping season downtown.
The completion of Washington Street also signals progress in MDOT’s ongoing investment in aging infrastructure throughout the region. The corridor serves as a key connector to downtown businesses, residential neighborhoods and surrounding highways, making its reopening critical for commuters and commercial traffic.
MDOT crews are expected to complete minor punch-list tasks over the coming days, but traffic will remain open. Businesses impacted by reduced access say they’re hopeful the new roadway will draw more customers after months of disruption.
Local business owners have expressed relief and anticipation for increased foot and vehicle traffic now that construction is complete. Residents, likewise, are hopeful that detours and backups tied to the roadway overhaul will no longer be the norm.
The fully reopened street is expected to ease congestion near the M-21 corridor, particularly during peak travel hours.
Originally reported by The Argus - Press.
