Nestled in the rugged beauty of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, M-26 is more than a rural state highway—it is a lifeline cutting through forested hills, historic mining lands, and deep, winding ravines. This 5.5-mile stretch between US-45 and M-38 passes directly through Mass City, an unincorporated community in the heart of Copper Country, where aging infrastructure reflects the region’s rich but distant mining past. In fact, this corridor is considered one of the worst sections of highway in the region, making its reconstruction a priority for the State of Michigan and local stakeholders.
The surrounding environment is as breathtaking as it is complex. Steep slopes, drainage ravines, and rapid elevation changes define the landscape as rivers and streams descend toward Lake Superior. From the Firesteel River bridges—especially in peak fall colors—the views are unmatched, with Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Lake of the Clouds a short drive away.
To restore safety and resilience to this dramatic terrain, the project included:
- Asphalt milling and resurfacing
- Culvert and wingwall replacements
- Extensive drainage work, including manholes and drop structures
- Concrete curb and gutter
- Guardrail replacement
- Pavement markings
- Coordination and construction within extremely tight quarters
Because of the corridor’s significant elevation drops—30 to 40 feet in places—replacing culvert wingwalls and installing deep structures were the defining challenges of this project. The State spent considerable time mapping out a safe, precise approach aligned to the region’s terrain, environmental sensitivities, and structural needs.
Walbec Collaboration: Strength in Diversity
The demanding topography made this project an ideal showcase of the Walbec Group’s collective capabilities. Each company brought specialized expertise while working seamlessly as one team:
- Payne + Dolan (Michigan) led the effort, self-performing highly complex pipe work that pushed our capabilities—and our craftsmanship—to new heights. This project underscores our growing commitment and proficiency in self-performed drainage and underground work.
- Zenith Tech provided critical bridge support, leveraging their structural expertise to ensure safety and durability across the corridor.
- Northeast Asphalt assisted with grading operations, contributing field leadership and precision earthwork essential for staging, benching, and safe access.
Having a superintendent onsite throughout the project ensured continuity, quality control, quick resolution of challenges, and reinforcement of safety practices—particularly as traffic volumes increased during peak autumn tourism.
This collaboration continues a proud tradition of Walbec companies coming together to tackle Michigan’s most unique and challenging projects—similar to our success on the US-2 and M-28 corridors.
Project Challenges & Solutions
Remote and Rugged Landscape | Cell reception was minimal in this remote region, and reliable communication was essential. The team adopted Starlink satellite technology, ensuring stable connectivity for project coordination and safety communication.
Extreme Depth and Limited Access | Installing and extending structures at 30–40 feet required creative solutions and meticulous benching. Crews benched material from top to bottom to safely position excavators, set manholes, and extend pipe structures. This ingenuity enabled precise work despite sheer drops and narrow working zones.
Slight Highway Widening & Tight Work Zones | The corridor’s steep ravines left virtually no room for error. Crews worked in tight quarters with heightened attention to safety, requiring continuous reinforcement of best practices, additional precautions, and clear communication.
Innovation & Ingenuity
The M-26 project was not defined by new technology alone, but by the innovative thinking required to safely build in one of Michigan’s most challenging environments:
- Tight conditions and limited space demanded constant adaptation and creative problem-solving.
- Short seasonal windows in the U.P. required efficient production and precise sequencing.
- Heightened safety protocols were essential—particularly as fall traffic increased during peak color season.
- Craftsmanship and teamwork shone through, proving once again that when Walbec companies unite, we deliver exceptional results in extraordinary places.
From deep pipe installations to structural improvements and a smooth new roadway surface, the M-26 corridor now better serves residents, businesses, and visitors traveling through Copper Country. This project highlights how the combined strength of the Walbec Group—along with the growing expertise of our self-performing teams—continues to elevate infrastructure across the Midwest.
Our people, our companies, and our shared commitment to quality made this project a success. And it’s this unity that ensures Walbec will continue leading the way on Michigan’s most complex and memorable projects.
