RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Eight 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 rebuilding I-69 and I-94 ramp in Calhoun County, repairing work on Northbound US-127 off ramp in Ingham County, joint sealing Eastbound I-94 Ramp to Elm Road in Jackson County, resurfacing M-34 in Lenawee County, resurfacing US-10 in Mason County, rebuilding the I-696 ramp in Oakland County, culvert replacement work on I-196 and US-31 in Van Buren County, and rebuilding Northbound I-275 ramp to Eastbound I-96 and Westbound M-14 in Wayne County. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 11,644 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 state-owned roads and 1,400 bridges since I took office, supporting 89,000 jobs without raising taxes by a dime. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep getting things done.” 

County:	Calhoun
Highway:	I-69
Closest city:	Marshall
Start date:	September 13, 2023
Estimated end date:	October 2, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	The southbound I-69 ramp to eastbound I-94, along with the westbound I-94 ramp to southbound I-69, will be closed and detoured for the duration of this work. Motorists are advised to see alternate routes.
Safety benefit:	These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of I-69, which is a significant local and national trade corridor.

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.

MDOT will close the northbound US-127 off ramp to Kipp Road for maintenance starting Monday. This work is part of the multi-year US-127 resurfacing and bridge repair project in Ingham County. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 750 jobs.

“The repairing of the off ramp on Northbound US-127 is just one of many examples of how we’re investing in Michigan roads and infrastructure,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “Whether you’re heading to work, driving your kid to school or trying to run errands — projects like this will ensure all Michiganders heading to and through Ingham County can do so safely and swiftly. Thank you to all of our hardworking construction workers who provide this critical service.”

“I’m thankful that our state has continued to invest in damaged roads and bridges across Ingham County,” said state Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township). “Our residents have waited a long time for these badly needed upgrades, which will increase traffic and economic opportunities to our region while creating hundreds of jobs for Michiganders.”

County:	Ingham
Highway:	US-127
Closest city:	Mason
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	October 3, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	This work will require closing the ramp. Please follow posted detours. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
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.

MDOT will close the eastbound I-94 exit ramp to Elm Road on Monday for joint sealing. This work is part of MDOT's ongoing $120 million investment to rebuild and widen I-94 near the Airport Road interchange to just west of the east US-127/I-94 interchange in Blackman and Leoni Township. The I-94 project involves upgrading the US-127/M-50 (West Avenue)/I-94 interchange to a diverging diamond interchange, the Elm Road interchange with roundabouts, and the Lansing Avenue bridge over I-94. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 1,452 jobs.

“It’s an exciting day for Jackson County residents as we see the state, with federal dollars, investing to repair our roads,” said state Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township). “Our community depends on I-94 to quickly travel to home, school, work and more. This overall project for I-94 will not only support more than 1,000 jobs and spur economic activity in our region, but it will also allow workers and residents to travel safely and with ease.”

County:	Jackson
Highway:	Elm Road and I-94
Closest city:	Jackson
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	September 14, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	Traffic will be detoured via the M-106 (Cooper Street) interchange and Parnall Road to Elm Road. Motorists should expect delays.
Safety benefit:	Ramp closures during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists.

County:	Lenawee
Highway:	M-34
Closest city:	Hudson
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	October 4, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	This project will require one lane of traffic to be open via traffic regulators. Work will occur during daylight hours.
Safety benefit:	These repairs will result in a smoother and safer roadway. Closing lanes during this type of work is necessary to provide the safest work area possible for crews and motorists.

MDOT is investing approximately $700,000 to resurface US-10 from Jackson Street to east of US-31 Business Route (Pere Marquette Highway). Work also includes sidewalk ramp upgrades and drainage improvements. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 10 jobs.

County:	Mason
Highway:	US-10
Closest city:	Ludington
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	Mid-November 2023
Traffic restrictions:	Lane and shoulder closures will be in effect throughout the project.
Safety benefit:	This project will improve the ride and extend the service life of the roadway.

MDOT will close the northbound Orchard Lake ramp to eastbound I-696 ramp for rebuilding. This $275 million project includes rebuilding the roadway from the base up, including storm sewer replacement work, and rebuilding ramps at Orchard Lake Road, American Drive, Franklin Road, and US-24 (Telegraph Road). Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 3,500 jobs.

“With these new projects, it’s clear that we are making the necessary investments in our roads, bridges and infrastructure,” said state Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township). “The work to rebuild the I-696 roadway will help extend the life of the pavement and allow residents, workers and tourists to travel safely on the interstate for years to come. I am excited to see the lasting impact these investments will have and ask drivers for their patience during the process.”

County:	Oakland
Highway:	I-696
Closest city:	Farmington Hills
Start date:	September 9, 2023
Estimated end date:	October 14, 2023
Traffic restrictions:	Northbound Orchard Lake traffic will be detoured further north to eastbound 12 Mile Road, then southbound M-10 (Northwestern Highway) to eastbound I-696.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the safety and operations of the roadway while extending the life of the pavement on an important route for commuter, commercial, and tourism traffic.

MDOT will invest $8.3 million to replace the Rogers Creek culverts under I-196/US-31 in Covert Township, Van Buren County. Work this year includes building median crossovers to maintain traffic during the 2024/2025 culvert replacement work. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 117 jobs.

“Today, we celebrate a significant $8.3 million investment by MDOT to replace the Rogers Creek culverts under I-196/US-31 in Covert Township, Van Buren County,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). This project ensures safer roads, minimizes disruptions with median crossovers, and is expected to create 117 local jobs. It's a big step in Van Buren County's growth and improvement, and I proudly support it.”

County:	Van Buren
Highway:	I-196 and US-31
Closest city:	Hagar Shores
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	August 22, 2025
Traffic restrictions:	Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts.
Safety benefit:	This work will replace the existing culverts under I-196/US-31 that are at the end of their service lives. The new box culverts will increase the waterway opening of Rogers Creek for more natural creek flow and less obstruction.

MDOT will be closing the northbound I-275 ramps (Exit 29) to both eastbound I-96 and westbound M-14 for rebuilding. This work is part of the Revive275 project. Based on economic modeling, this $270 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 3,267 jobs.

“I am thrilled to see these improved safety measures that have begun in my district. The repairs to I-275 ramps to both eastbound I-96 and westbound M-14 for rebuilding will significantly improve the quality of our roads, create job opportunities for our community, and enhance safety for every citizen,” said state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth Township). “We are continuing to invest in our infrastructure here in western Wayne, and across the State of Michigan.” -

County:	Wayne County
Highway:	I-275, I-96, and M-14
Closest city:	Livonia
Start date:	September 11, 2023
Estimated end date:	October 2023
Traffic restrictions:	Westbound S. Huron Road traffic will take northbound I-275 to westbound Sibley Road (Exit 13), then southbound I-275 to S. Huron Road (Exit 11B). Eastbound S. Huron Road traffic will take southbound I-275 to eastbound Will Carleton Road (Exit 8), then northbound I-275 to S. Huron Road (Exit 11)
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the safety and operations of the roadway while extending the life of the pavement on an important route for commuter, commercial, and tourism traffic.

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.  