PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) Michigan transportation officials have started appraising homes and businesses that will be torn down to make way for a $553 million project that includes the expansion of the Blue Water Bridge plaza.

The Times Herald reported the appraisal process started in May. It will determine how much the state will pay for the 30 commercial and 125 residential properties that are expected to be cleared.

The project will lower and expand the plaza. It also includes reconstructing and expanding parts of Interstate 94 and 69, and replacing a bridge over the Black River. Construction could start as early as 2011.

Officials have said the project will wrap up in 2016 or 2017.

The Blue Water Bridge, about 55 mi. northeast of Detroit, connects Port Huron and Ontario over the St. Clair River.

Today's top stories

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

NAPA Urges Drivers to 'Watch For Us' During National Work Zone Awareness Week

Landscapers, Contractors, Dealers Can 'Test Before They Invest' in Equipment in Equip Expo's 30-Acre Outdoor Demo Yard

Terex Utilities Announces Availability of TL45 On Mini Tracked Carrier for Lifting in Restricted Access Job Sites

Arizona Chip Factory Will Expand With $6B in New Funds

John Deere Launches Nationwide Search for First-Ever Chief Tractor Officer

UDOT to Implement Digital Construction Technology

New $140M Biogas Facility for SacSewer Coming to Sacramento