RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects in Eaton and Houghton Counties Starting Next Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 13, 2022

Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects in Eaton and Houghton Counties Starting Next Week

In 2022, Gov. Whitmer is making the largest investment in state roads and bridges in Michigan’s history 

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three road projects slated to begin next week in Eaton and Houghton counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects include I-69 maintenance over Charlotte Southern Railway in Eaton County and M-26 resurfacing in Houghton County. These investments are expected to support 69 jobs.

“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money. These investments in Eaton and Houghton counties will support 69 jobs, and help Michiganders go to work, run errands, and explore our beautiful state safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office through the end of 2022, we will have invested 70% more in our roads than the previous four years to fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs. Both my Rebuilding Michigan Plan and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan are helping us build safe, reliable infrastructure that makes a difference for families and small business across the state. I hope you all like orange because you’ll be seeing a lot of cones and barrels throughout summer. I’m proud of what we have accomplished, so let’s roll up our sleeves and keep getting it done."

I-69 maintenance over Charlotte Southern Railroad in Eaton County

On Monday, MDOT will begin maintenance work on I-69 over the Charlotte Southern Railroad. Work will include bridge deck replacement, railing replacement, pier cap and abutment replacements, structural steel repairs, structural steel painting, approach replacements, and epoxy overlay on these structures. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 56 jobs.

County:	Eaton
Highway:	I-69
Closest city:	Charlotte
Start date:	Monday, July 18, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, Oct. 28, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	The M-50 ramp to northbound I-69 will be closed and detoured for the duration of this work. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
Safety benefit:	This work will provide a smoother and safer crossing over the railroad, as well as extend the service life of this structure. Closing this roadway will provide the safest work zone possible for workers and motorists.

M-26 Houghton County resurfacing project starts July 18

MDOT is investing about $1 million to resurface 4.6 miles of M-26 from 6th Street to Tamarack Hill Road, Houghton County. Work includes sealing, asphalt milling and resurfacing of shoulders, and pavement markings. This project includes a three-year pavement performance warranty. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 13 jobs.

County:	Houghton
Highway:	M-26
Closest Towns:	Dollar Bay, Tamarack City
Start date:	Monday, July 18, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, Aug. 26, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	Motorists should expect intermittent single-lane closures via traffic regulators during the project.
Safety benefit:	This work will extend the lifespan of the roadway and result in a smoother driving surface and increased safety for motorists.

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