RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects in 13 Counties Starting This Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2022

Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects in 13 Counties Starting This 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 seven road projects slated to begin this week in 13 Michigan Counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects include, M-72 resurfacing in Alcona County, crack sealing on M-18, M-20, M-46, M-86, and US-10, chip sealing on M-51 and M-89, I-69 maintenance in Eaton County, M-26 resurfacing in Houghton County, and M-33 culvert replacement in Ogemaw County.

“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money. These investments across 13 counties will support 98 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 things done."

MDOT Projects Starting This Week

Second Avenue Bridge Move over I-94 in Detroit

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that moving the Second Avenue bridge over I-94 in Detroit will start Friday, July 22.

The new Second Avenue structure will be the first network tied arch bridge built in the state of Michigan. This innovative design eliminates the need for a center pier, which will accommodate the future I-94/M-10 interchange. Moving the skeleton of the bridge across the freeway will be done using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), which are multi-axled rolling platforms. The skeleton will then be secured onto the new bridge supports on each side of I-94. Afterward, a team of engineers will conduct detailed inspections prior to reopening the freeway.

Follow the I-94 modernization project on the web at https://I94Detroit.org or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/I94Detroit or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/I94Detroit.

County:	Wayne
Highway(s):	I-94, I-75, M-10
Closest city:	Detroit
Start date:	Friday, July 22, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, July 29, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	All entrance ramps to eastbound I-94 will be closed from 30th Street (just west of Warren Avenue) to Chrysler Drive while all entrance ramps to westbound I-94 will be closed from Mt. Elliott Street to Trumbull Avenue. .
Safety benefit:	The Second Avenue bridge was originally built in 1954 and has never been replaced. Additional information on the Second Avenue bridge can be found here.

M-72 Resurfacing in Alcona County

MDOT will invest $506,000 to seal cracks and chip seal 7 miles of M-72 from east of Crooked Lake Road to M-65, and from M-65 to O’Donnell Road, Alcona County. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support six jobs.

County:	Alcona
Highway:	M-72
Closest city:	Curran
Start date:	Monday, July 18, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, Sept. 9, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	Drivers should expect daytime lane closures and traffic regulators.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

Crack Sealing on M-18, M-20, M-46, M-86, and US-10

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $435,000 to complete crack seal work across 147 miles of state trunkline.

County:	Bay, Gladwin, Midland, Saginaw
Highway:	M-18, M-20, M-84, M-46, US-10
Start date:	Monday, July 18, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, Sept. 9, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	Drivers should expect single-lane closures and traffic regulators.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

Chip Sealing on M-51 and M-89

MDOT will invest $1.8 million to resurface 21.4 miles of two state highways: M-51 from the north city limit of Niles to North Front Street in Dowagiac, and M-89 from M-343 in Richland to West Michigan Avenue near Battle Creek. Work includes single chip seal, fog seal, overbrand crack seal, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support nearly 23 jobs.

County:	Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, and Calhoun
Highway:	M-51 and M-89
Closest Towns:	Niles, Dowagiac, and Richland
Start date:	Monday, July 18, 2022
Estimated end date:	Friday, Sept. 23, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	Drivers should expect single-lane closures and traffic regulators.
Safety benefit:	This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway.

I-69 Maintenance 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 Resurfacing in Houghton County

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.

M-33 Culvert Replacement in Ogemaw County

MDOT will replace a culvert beneath M-33 south of Greenwood Road in Ogemaw County.

County:	Ogemaw
Highway:	M-33
Closest Towns:	Alger
Start date:	Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Estimated end date:	Thursday, July, 21, 2022
Traffic restrictions:	This work will require closing M-33 to through-traffic with a detour on Greenwood Road, Old M-76, and Maple Ridge Road. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.
Safety benefit:	This work will replace a deteriorating culvert, preserve drainage, and extend the life of the roadway.

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