August 5, 2024 

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

LANSING, Mich. —  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin road and bridge repair projects this week in two counties. The projects include rebuilding US-12/M-51 in Berrien County and resurfacing M-53/M-59 in Macomb County, which are estimated to support 610 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.” 

Rebuilding M-51 in Berrien County 

MDOT is set to move to the next phase of the $27 million investment to rebuild the US-12/M-51 interchange in Niles, Berrien County. Current work on northbound M-51 includes pavement removal, excavation, base replacement, drainage improvements, curb replacement, sidewalk improvements, concrete patching, and paving. Current US-12 work includes paving, restoration, and shoulder construction, to improve the safety and quality of the roadways. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 383 jobs. 

Road and Bridge Repairs on M-53/M-59 in Macomb County 

MDOT is investing $16 million project on M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) between 18 Mile Road and M-59 (Hall Road) to resurface the roadway, repair concrete and guardrail, repair 10 bridges, and resurface the 23 Mile Road ramps to M-53. Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday Aug. 5, northbound M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) will be closed from 18 Mile Road to M-59 (Hall Road) for approximately three months for road and bridge work to improve the safety of the roads. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 227 jobs. 

"Investing in our infrastructure is crucial for the safety and prosperity of everyone. The $16 million project on M-53 between 18 Mile Road and M-59 will not only enhance road safety but also support 227 jobs, benefiting Macomb County's economy,” said state Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), chair of the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure. “I am proud to deliver for the people of our state by improving our roads and bridges.” 

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