Highway reconstruction has begun on M-179 overpass from Exit No. 61 on the U.S.-131 expressway east beyond the Gun Lake Casino site.

The Gun Lake Tribe, owners of the casino, is paying for most of the work because it stands to benefit with streamlined traffic coming off the expressway. Plans call for turning the exit ramps into dedicated right- and left-turn ramps from each direction on M-179.

Project cost has been estimated at $26 million.

Michigan Department of Transportation officials said the work should be completed by November.

City of Wayland officials are urging motorists going north to the casino or to get to M-179 to use Reno Drive east to Division and then north to Bradley.