Story by Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The portion of M 20 that has been closed to traffic since March 9 when construction of a $2.6 million tunnel project began is expected to be reopened before Memorial Day, said Oceana County Road Commission Managing Director Mark Timmer.
The approximate 76-foot-long tunnel underneath M 20 will allow pedestrians and tram traffic to safely cross the road from the south parking lot to Lewis 
Adventure Farm and Zoo.
“They completed all the waterproofing, and they have been backfilling it,” said Timmer. “They’re working on the turn lane and the approach on 68th Avenue. The plan is to pave next week. We’re planning to have it open to traffic before Memorial Day (May 25).”
The tunnel will be approximately 24 feet wide, said Timmer. Pedestrians will use the west side of the tunnel, and tram traffic — tractors hauling farm visitors in trailers — will utilize the east side with a fence dividing the two lanes.
The project is expected to be completed in August. “It will be some time before the pedestrian and tram parts are open, because there is some lead time on the materials, like the fencing and electrical,” said Timmer.
A special allocation obtained from the State of Michigan by Senator Jon Bumstead is funding the project. “It’s completely funded by a special assessment from Senator Jon Bumstead,” said OCRC County Highway Engineer Cole Shafer.
Plans had been in the works for the project several months prior to the tragic traffic death of Lewis farms owner Cindy Lewis last July. A traffic impact study of the area was completed two years ago, said Shafer.
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