By David Fleet
Editor
Groveland Twp. — A few lane closures on I-75 during the past summer weekends which routed traffic onto Dixie Highway should be wrapped up according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The news is a concern on the eve of the opening of the Michigan Renaissance Festival, which kicks off Aug. 19-Oct.3.
The possible traffic woes stem from a four year, 15 mile renovation project on  I-75 between M-15 (Ortonville Road) and the Oakland/Genesee county line.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $160 million to resurface I-75, repairing 11 bridges, drainage improvements, culvert replacements, signing and guardrail.
“We are still going to handle the traffic to the Renaissance Festival, even with the possible lane closures on I-75,” said Chip Schultz, representing the Renaissance Festival. “We are receiving updates from MDOT and will notify motorists via signs of any changes getting into the festival.”
In addition, for the first time the Renaissance Festival will be charging for parking. The charge will be $10 per vehicle and will be collected once the customer is parked, in an effort to reduce vehicles and promote ride sharing. There will also be a drone covering the entrances and parking during the event to study the traffic flow. Finally, there is a significant reduction of complementary tickets for patrons on the last three weekends of the festival to help balance the crowds.
In a statement from MDOT on Tuesday, work will primarily be completed between Exit 93 (Dixie Highway) and Exit 106 (Dixie Highway) during the week. Nearly all work will be stopped during the weekend with no additional closure being taken. If motorists were to use Dixie Highway, there shouldn’t be much more traffic than what usually occurs during the festival, say MDOT officals.
The MDOT-I-75 project has impacted local traffic, including Dixie.
The weekend of Aug. 5 and 6, the north and south lanes of I-75 were closed, with traffic detoured to Dixie Highway. In addition, the east and west bound Grange Hall Road ramp to north and south I-75 is currently closed for construction. The ramp will remain closed until late August, according to MDOT.
“The problem is even if they close one lane of I-75 it backs up to Dixie Highway,” said Bob DePalma, township supervisor. “MDOT is well aware of the Renaissance Festival. We hope for the best.”