ADRIAN — Construction on the long-planned pedestrian tunnel beneath M-52 in Adrian is progressing, with the first pieces of tunnel pipe installed this week and traffic impacts beginning to increase.
Project updates released March 6 show that mass excavation on the west side of M-52 has been completed, allowing crews to begin installing storm drainage infrastructure and preparing the site for the tunnel structure. Dewatering operations have also been expanded to manage groundwater while excavation continues.
Over the next several weeks, contractors will continue installing storm sewer lines leading up to the tunnel location. Crews are also scheduled to begin relocating a water main during the week of March 9.
Those changes will bring the first major traffic adjustments for drivers along M-52.
Traffic near the tunnel site will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the railroad crossing and Cross Street. All vehicles will be shifted to the current northbound lanes on the east side of the roadway while construction continues. M-52 will remain open during the work, though drivers should expect lane shifts and slower traffic through the construction zone.
Another milestone is also expected soon. The first section of the precast tunnel structure is scheduled to be delivered and installed in the coming weeks as work advances toward the roadway crossing.
The pedestrian tunnel is being built to allow the Kiwanis Trail to safely pass beneath M-52. The eight-mile Lenawee County trail follows a converted rail corridor and is used for walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing and inline skating.
Once complete, the tunnel will span approximately 84 feet. Its design draws inspiration from the nearby historic railway bridge built in 1867 and will feature stone veneer, steel accents, LED lighting, benches, landscaping and security cameras.
Officials say the project remains on schedule and is expected to be completed before Labor Day 2026.
No local tax dollars are being used to fund the project. Lenawee Now supported the design phase and assisted in securing grant funding for construction.