A new traffic signal on US-31 at the entrance to Traverse City State Park will be activated to flash mode starting Friday, May 15.

The signal will initially provide a "flashing amber caution light for US-31 traffic and a flashing red stop light for the State Park exit traffic," according to a state release. "Once a nearby project at the US-31/Three Mile Road intersection project in East Bay Township is completed, now tentatively expected in late May (weather dependent), the signal and associated signalized crosswalk will be fully operational."

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $1.9 million to make improvements to the US-31/Three Mile Road intersection, including sidewalk and traffic signal improvements, a second westbound left-turn lane, and alignment of the Traverse City State Park Beach driveway with the northbound approach of the intersection.

"Realignment of the access drive with the Three Mile Road intersection will improve traffic flow entering and exiting the beach day-use area parking lot," according to MDOT.