FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

April 29, 2024 

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Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Five Counties    

 

LANSING, Mich. —  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin road and bridge repair projects in five counties this week including overpass repairs on I-75 in Chippewa County, bridge work on I-475 in Genesee County and M-6/I-96 in Kent County, paving M-45 in Saginaw County and repairs to M-39 in Wayne County. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 2,088 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 23,000 lane miles of state-owned roads and 1,600 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.”  

 

“Plain and simple, these projects are going to make our roads safer, supporting the local businesses and residents who rely on them and creating good-paying jobs in the process,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I’m proud that these federal investments are helping to make a meaningful difference in our communities, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver more resources.” 

 

I-75/M-48 Repairs in Chippewa County  

MDOT is investing about $5 million to repair two M-48 overpasses over I-75 in Chippewa County. Work includes deck overlays; deck, substructure and structural patching; railing replacement; expansion joint replacement; partial painting; beam end cutting; and approach work. This project includes two separate structures to be repaired in two stages. Stage one is the M-48 overpass over I-75 to the south connecting M-129 to Mackinac Trail. Stage two is the M-48 overpass over I-75 to the north near Rudyard. Work will require closing both structures with detours. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 61 jobs.  

 

 

Southbound I-475 weekend closures in Genesee County 

MDOT is investing approximately $141 million to rebuild more than 3 miles of I-475 from the Flint River to Carpenter Road in Flint. As a part of this project, southbound I-475 will be closed at Carpenter Road May 3-5 and May 10-12 for bridge rebuilding. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 1,706 jobs.  

 

"When we invest in our infrastructure, our communities and local economies benefit," said U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee. "I’m proud to have helped pass new laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that are putting Michiganders to work rebuilding roads and bridges. While the last president proclaimed every week ‘Infrastructure Week,’ President Biden, Governor Whitmer and a Democratic Congress delivered and are getting it done.” 

 

“I'm thrilled to see this project kick off. Rebuilding I-475 is a big deal for our community — these kinds of investments not only make our roads safer and commuting more efficient, but also open doors to new economic opportunities and create good-paying jobs in our community,” said state Representative Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “This is a big win for Flint. I eagerly anticipate the impact it will bring to our residents and all who come to visit our great city.”   

 

 

 

Funding for this project is made possible by Gov. Gretchen 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 improves the condition of the state's infrastructure. 

  

M-6/I-96 Rebuilding in Kent County 

MDOT is investing $7.5 million to rebuild the M-6/I-96 interchange in Cascade Township. Work includes asphalt rebuilding and bridge improvements. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 91 jobs.  

 

"When we invest in our infrastructure, we're investing in the long-term economic growth of our communities,” said U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. It's exciting to see so many incredible projects underway here in our state -- including rebuilding the M-6/I-96 interchange in Cascade Township. By rebuilding this interchange, we'll be able to get West Michiganders where they need to go while creating dozens of jobs.” 

 

“I’m excited to see the start of the $7.5 million M-6/I-96 interchange construction project in Cascade Township,” said state Representative Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids). “This significant investment in Kent County will support economic growth, create jobs, improve road safety and reduce road congestion. I want to thank everyone that collaborated to make this project possible. I look forward to its successful completion.”  

 

 

 

M-45 Road Work in Saginaw County 

MDOT will implement lane closures on M-46 (Gratiot Road) from Elm Street to Center Road in the city of Saginaw for milling and paving work. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 10 jobs.  

 

“I'm truly happy to see our state making more investments in repairing Michigan’s roads and bridges,” said state Representative Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw). “I want to thank MDOT for allocating these funds for Saginaw — the project planned for Gratiot Road will really improve safety for thousands of commuters who pass through our community daily to get to work and school, and I’m grateful for the much-needed jobs this will create in our community.”  

 

 

 

M-39 Project in Wayne County 

MDOT is investing $15.5 million on a project on northbound and southbound M-39 (Southfield Freeway) from Pinecrest Drive, south of I-94, to M-153 (Ford Road). The almost 5-mile project includes concrete patching, milling and resurfacing, and pavement markings. Crews will also perform routine maintenance within the closed sections of roadway, including drainage cleaning and barrier wall repairs. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 220 jobs.  

 

“This month, $15.5 million in federal funding will be invested in concrete patching, milling, resurfacing, and pavement markings on the Southfield Freeway from Pinecrest Drive to Ford Road,” said U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar. “This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our constituents. Investing in our infrastructure is equivalent to investing in the future of our communities—ensuring safer roads and a better quality of life for all. By paving the way for smoother travels, this expenditure also lays the groundwork for economic growth, job creation, and community development.” 

 

“Investing in our infrastructure is key to continuing our economic growth and business attraction. Whether headed to the grocery store or place of work, I am confident that the improvements made to M-39 will allow Michiganders to move more easily on the roads, so they travel as safely as possible, all while creating jobs in the process,” said state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). 

 

“The Southfield Freeway serves a crucial role in our region. Many of us depend on it daily, relying on it for everything from getting to work on time to accessing our grocery stores and hospitals. I’m excited for this investment to repair and strengthen this critical corridor,” said state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn). “The work will drive mobility in our region as well as economic growth, starting with the 220 jobs the project is expected to generate. This project is a win-win for our communities.” 

 

 

 

Rebuilding Michigan’s Roads and Bridges      

By the end of this construction season, Michigan will have fixed nearly 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 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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