RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Clinton, Ingham, Kent, Keweenaw, and Wayne Counties 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 24, 2023 

Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Clinton, Ingham, Kent, Keweenaw, and Wayne Counties  

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin multiple road and bridge repair projects this week, including I-96 roadway repair work in Clinton County, the next phase of work on the US-127 Rebuilding Michigan project in Ingham County, resurfacing and bridge work on I-96 in Kent County, Silver River bridge replacement in Keweenaw County, and the next phase of work on the Revive 275 project in Wayne County. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 4,453 jobs. 

“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to drive economic activity, help Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “Through the end of this construction season, we will have fixed, repaired, or replaced nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges since I took office, supporting 89,000 jobs without raising taxes by a dime. The projects we are kicking off in Clinton, Ingham, Kent, Keweenaw and Wayne Counties will support nearly 4,500 jobs and make a difference for families and small businesses in Michigan communities. I’m proud of what we have accomplished through my Rebuilding Michigan program and bipartisan Building Michigan Together plan, and I look forward to building on this progress. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep getting things done.” 

I-96 Roadway Repair Work in Clinton County

Roadway repair work will begin on Monday, April 24 on I-96 between Clintonia Road and Wacousta Road in Clinton County. Portions of the concrete pavement will be removed and replaced, and a median cable barrier will be installed.

“I am excited to see ongoing road repair projects like the one along I-96 in Clinton County,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “Orange cones on the road mean jobs are being created in our region and our roads are being made safer and more sustainable for residents who drive on them.”

“Viewing the improvements to I-96 in Clinton County will be transformational,” said State Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing). “Our roads, bridges, and highways are essential to a flourishing economy and improving the quality of life for citizens in Clinton County and the State of Michigan. I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer to continue improving our infrastructure.”

This work is part of the $9.6 million project to extend the life of the roadway and enhance safety for users. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 116 jobs.

County:	Clinton
Highway:	I-96
Closest city:	Grand Ledge
Start date:	6 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023
Estimated end date:	Wednesday, Sept 20, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	This work will require daytime single-lane closures. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes.
Safety benefit:	These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of I-96. The roadway repairs will provide a safer surface for travel. The addition of median cable barrier will provide protection in case a vehicle was to leave the roadway.

Next Phase of Work on US-127 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Ingham County

The next phase of work on Monday, April 24 on the multi-year US-127 resurfacing and bridge repair project in Ingham County. MDOT is investing approximately $62 million to resurface 12.5 miles of pavement, repair 10 structures, improve drainage, and install guardrail and barrier wall on US-127 between the Jackson/Ingham county line and M-36 in Ingham County. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 800 jobs.

“Any driver in mid-Michigan knows that our roads and bridges are in need of repair and restoration,” said State Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “As our region continues to attract more people and investment, we need to ensure that our critical infrastructure supports increased demand.”

“That’s why I am proud to support MDOT’s $62 million dollar investment to rebuild US-127, made possible by Governor Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan Program,” Sen. Anthony continued. “In total, the project will resurface 12.5 miles of pavement, repair 10 structures, and support 800 good-paying jobs for Michiganders. Long-term investments like these are crucial in keeping our region safe and economically competitive for years to come.”

“Investing in the resurfacing of US-127 and the bridge repair is an important project I look forward to the completion of. These improvements will increase safety and mobility for those in our communities,” said State Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township). “Thanks to Governor Whitmer we are moving forward in improving our infrastructure here in Ingham County and the State of Michigan.”

Funding for this project is made possible by Governor Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state's economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state's infrastructure.

County:	Ingham
Highway:	US-127
Closest city:	Leslie
Start date:	7 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023
Estimated end date:	Saturday, May 13, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	This work will require the closure of the US-127 southbound off-ramp to Bellevue Road. Please follow posted detours.
Safety benefit:	These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of US-127, which is an important route for commuter, commercial, and tourism traffic.

Resurfacing I-96 and Bridge Work in Kent County 

Beginning today, MDOT will resurface approximately three miles of I-96 from Cascade Road to M-11 (28th Street).  The project also includes bridge improvements on Burton Street over I-96 and resurfacing the ramps at the I-96/M-11 interchange. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 73 jobs. 

“These necessary improvements to I-96 are going to make this highly-traveled route smoother and safer for all who use it,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “We’ll all be excited for this particularly damaged stretch of road to be repaired, but until the job is complete, join me in slowing down and giving workers extra space this summer.”

“I am extremely excited to see the improvements to I-96. While we will all experience some delays, we also know that orange barrels and construction workers mean better infrastructure and a thriving economy,” said State Representative Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids). “I’ll continue to work with Governor Whitmer to fix our highways, roads and bridges here in West Michigan and throughout the state.”

County:	Kent County
Highway:	I-96
Closest city:	Grand Rapids
Start date:	Monday, April 24
Estimated end date:	Mid-November
Traffic restrictions:	Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts. Burton Street is scheduled to be closed over I-96 from June through August, with traffic detoured using Patterson Avenue, M-11 and Kraft Avenue.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the driving surface and extend the service life of the roadway and bridge.

Silver River Bridge Replacement in Keweenaw County 

Work will begin today, on the Silver River bridge replacement project as part of a $2.9 million investment to remove and replace the bridge this summer. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 35 jobs. 

County:	Keweenaw
Highway:	M-26
Closest city:	Eagle Harbor
Start date:	Tuesday, April 25
Estimated end date:	July 2023
Traffic restrictions:	During the project, traffic will be detoured for approximately 10 weeks via a posted route on US-41. The M-26 closure will be just west of the western entrance to Brockway Drive, about 10 miles from Copper Harbor.
Safety benefit:	This work will replace a bridge which has reached the end of its useful service life. The roadway section of the new bridge will be wider, including 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders, providing more space and increased safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Next Phase of Work on Revive275 Project in Wayne County  

Beginning today, the Revive275 project is moving into the phase of repairing and rebuilding over 25 miles of road, bridges and ramps connecting I-275 with I-94, M-153 (Ford Road) and US-12 (Michigan Avenue). Based on economic modeling, this $270 million investment is expected to support 3,429 jobs. Project information can be found at Revive275.org. 

Funding for Revive I-275 is made possible by Governor Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program focused on state highways and bridges that are critical to Michigan’s economy and carry the most traffic.  

“I applaud the improvements to the infrastructure on I-275, and the work of our construction crews should not go unnoticed,” said Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Westland). “I’m also grateful to Governor Whitmer for keeping her promise to improve and repair our roads.”

County:	Wayne County
Highway:	I-275 and I-94
Closest city:	Romulus
Start date:	Monday, April 24
Estimated end date:	Late July
Traffic restrictions:	M-153:   Beginning Monday, April 24, eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to northbound I-275 will close through late July. The detour will be eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) to southbound I-275, then to US-12 (Michigan Avenue) to northbound I-275.    I-275:  Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, northbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 will close through early July.      Detour: Northbound I-275 traffic will continue north to Ecorse Road, then head westbound on Ecorse Road to southbound I-275, then southbound I-275 to eastbound or westbound I-94.     I-94:  Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 1, eastbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.     Beginning 7 a.m., Monday, May 8, westbound I-94 ramp to northbound I-275 will close through early July.     Detour: Eastbound and westbound I-94 traffic will use southbound I-275 to eastbound Eureka Road, then to northbound I-275.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the driving surface and extend the service life of the roadway.

I-275

Rebuilding Michigan’s Roads and Bridges   

By the end of this construction season, Michigan will have fixed nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges. Governor Whitmer is focused on rebuilding our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed, supporting 89,000 good-paying construction jobs along the way. 

These and future repairs are made possible by the Rebuilding Michigan plan, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges, and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, the largest one-time investment in Michigan's infrastructure in state history. These strategic investments in Michigan's infrastructure ensure that future Michiganders will have safer roads and bridges to run errands, travel, and strengthen the economy.  

Learn more about the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration’s historic infrastructure investments by clicking on the following link: Infrastructure Accomplishments.  

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