Springport and Rives Junction Road Roundabout Construction Begins May 1

An overhead view of the existing intersection.  Photo courtesy JCDOT.

(April 21, 2023 3:57 PM ET) The Jackson County Department of Transportation (JCDOT) today announced the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Rives Junction and Springport Road in Blackman Charter Township. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 1, and is anticipated to be completed within 15 weeks.

In order to construct the roundabout, the intersection will be closed to traffic. A detour will be in place to guide motorists around the construction site.

The new roundabout will improve safety and traffic flow in the area, and JCDOT appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during the construction process.

The roundabout is among several new improvements underway along Springport Road to support the new Jackson Technology Park North.  Last summer Jackson County announced projects to include widening of County Farm Road with paved shoulders, new sidewalks, drainage improvements, new signals and the construction of the future Ayrshire Lane at the new technology park.

The Jackson Technology Park North is the newest expansion of the Township’s Jackson Technology Park industrial/technology park created by the Local Development Finance Authority (BLDFA).  The BLDFA was created in 1991 with the purpose of funding infrastructure needs of industrial development to attract TAC Manufacturing.  Since its creation, additional companies have joined the industrial park, including Technique, BASF/Chemetall, JSP, and JSP Sheet Foam LLC.

Last April, Jackson County was awarded a $6 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant for infrastructure improvements at JTPN.   The grant is being used to complete road, sidewalk, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements at the Park. The improvements will create shovel-ready sites for industrial development. The project is receiving matching funds of $1.5 million from Blackman Charter Township. 140 acres is now available for the development of new manufacturing facilities.

In addition to the grant and the Township’s investment, Jackson County is providing $1.1 million toward the infrastructure improvements.

The Enterprise Group of Jackson is currently marketing the new technology park and expects to announce the first tenants later this year.