Marquette Approves Grant for Wilson Street Overpass

New overpass will provide safer crossing for pedestrians on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Marquette City Commission has approved a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation to build a new overpass on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail at Wilson Street. The overpass will improve safety for pedestrians, including many elderly residents in the area, by providing a dedicated crossing over the busy street.

Why it matters

The new overpass will enhance pedestrian safety and mobility in Marquette, particularly for older residents who live near the trail. It will allow for easier and safer access to the popular Iron Ore Heritage Trail, which is used by both commuters and recreational users.

The details

The $486,000 grant from MDOT, along with a $115,000 match from the city, will fund the construction of the new overpass across Wilson Street where the Heritage Trail intersects with heavy vehicle traffic. City officials say the overpass is an important project to support walkability and outdoor access for the community.

  • The Marquette City Commission approved the MDOT grant on February 10, 2026.
  • The overpass project will be further discussed during the city's 2027 fiscal year budgeting process later this year.

The players

Marquette City Commission

The governing body of the city of Marquette, Michigan that approved the MDOT grant for the Wilson Street overpass project.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state transportation agency that is providing a $486,000 grant to fund the majority of the Wilson Street overpass construction.

Karen Kovacs

The Marquette City Manager who explained the benefits of the overpass project for improving pedestrian safety and mobility, especially for elderly residents.

Iron Ore Heritage Trail

A popular multi-use trail in Marquette that will be made safer with the new overpass crossing at Wilson Street.

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What they’re saying

“We have quite a few of our elderly residents that live out there, and getting them to be more mobile and outside, we want to support that. This would provide us with a safer walking path, essentially. It's really something that's great for not just that neighborhood, but also people who are getting around town.”

— Karen Kovacs, City Manager (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

The overpass project will be further discussed and finalized during the city's 2027 fiscal year budgeting process later this year.

The takeaway

The new Wilson Street overpass is an important infrastructure investment that will enhance pedestrian safety and mobility in Marquette, particularly for the city's elderly residents who live near the popular Iron Ore Heritage Trail.