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

Government and Politics

June 10, 2024

From: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

LANSING, MI - On June 10, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin road and bridge repair projects this week across eight counties, including resurfacing M-96 in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, resurfacing I-94 in Calhoun County, resurfacing and other improvements on M-28 in Chippewa County, bridge replacement and road repairs on M-53 in Lapeer and Macomb counties, bridge replacement and road improvements on M-46 and M-19 in Sanilac County, and bridge improvements to M-24, M-46 and M-25 in Huron and Tuscola counties. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 677 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.”

M-96 Resurfacing in Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties 

MDOT will be resurfacing 4.4 miles of M-96 in Augusta from the west village limit to the Kalamazoo River, and from the Kalamazoo/Calhoun county line to M-37 (Helmer Road) in Springfield Township. The $2.3 million investment includes concrete sidewalk ramp upgrades and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 28 jobs. 

“Smooth, resurfaced roads with clear signage and accessible sidewalks mean a safer experience for motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists sharing the roadway,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “The project can help add nearly 30 jobs in the area and I appreciate the work of those MDOT crews bringing these upgrades to fruition.” 

County:

Calhoun and Kalamazoo

Highway:

M-96

Closest city:

Augusta and Springfield Township

Start date:

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Estimated end date:

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024

Traffic restrictions:

There will be daytime single-lane closures and nighttime total closures with a posted detour (Helmer Road, Avenue A, Hill Brady Road, Denso Road, and Armstrong Road).

Safety benefit:

This work will improve ride quality and safety for motorists and improved pedestrian access.

 

I-94 Resurfacing in Calhoun County

MDOT will be resurfacing more than 9 miles of westbound I-94 from 29 Mile Road in Sheridan Township to 21 1/2 Mile Road in Marengo Township, Calhoun County. The $4.3 million investment includes resurfacing the ramps at 22 1/2 Mile Road Exit 115M-199 (26 Mile Road) Exit 119, and I-94 Business Route (28 Mile Road/Easton Street) Exit 121. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 52 jobs.

“I am glad to see road improvements coming our way in Calhoun County,” said state Representative Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “It is important that we focus on providing our citizens with reliable highway systems, and I am pleased that this project will support local jobs. These highways are important for commuters, supply chains and the local economy.”

County:

Calhoun

Highway:

I-94

Closest city:

Albion

Start date:

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Estimated end date:

Friday, Aug. 2, 2024

Traffic restrictions:

There will be nighttime lane and ramp closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Safety benefit:

This work will result in a smoother ride and improved safety for motorists.

 

M-28 Resurfacing in Chippewa County

MDOT is investing about $1.3 million to resurface nearly 5 miles of M-28 from Dick Road to M-221 in Chippewa County. The work includes resurfacing, crack filling, aggregate shoulders, rumble strips, guardrail repairs, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 16 jobs.

County:

Chippewa

Highway:

M-28

Closest city:

Raco, Strongs

Start date:

Monday, June 10, 2024

Estimated end date:

Friday, Sept. 27, 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Work will be performed during daytime hours only. One lane of alternating traffic will be maintained on M-28 using traffic regulators. An 11-foot lane width restriction will be in place during the project.

Safety benefit:

This project will increase safety for motorists and extend the lifespan of the roadway.

 

Bridge Replacement in Lapeer County 

MDOT is investing $9.8 million to resurface 8.2 miles of M-53 from south of Bowers Road to Deanville Road in Lapeer County. M-53 (Van Dyke Road) will be closed from Caldwell Road to Armstrong Road to replace the bridge over Elk Lake Creek. Work includes milling and resurfacing, joint repairs, drainage, guardrail, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 119 jobs.

County:

Lapeer

Highway:

M-53 (Van Dyke Road)

Closest city:

Imlay City

Start date:

Monday, June 10, 2024

Estimated end date:

August 2024

Traffic restrictions:

During the bridge replacement, northbound M-53 traffic will be detoured via Imlay City Road, Lake Pleasant Road, and Clear Lake Road, while southbound M-53 traffic will be detoured via Clear Lake Road, Lake Pleasant Road, and Imlay City Road.

Truck traffic on northbound M-53 will be detoured via I-69, M-24, and M-90, while southbound M-53 will be detoured via M-90, M-24, and I-69.

Safety benefit:

This project is intended to improve M-53 while addressing important bridge repairs to ensure operations and safety of the road.

 

M-53 Improvements in Macomb County

MDOT is investing approximately $5.3 million for a new project on M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) between 27 Mile and 34 Mile roads in northern Macomb County. Improvements include asphalt and concrete pavement repairs on the lanes and shoulders, concrete pavement repairs to the ramps between M-53 and Van Dyke Avenue, and sidewalk and curb ramp installations at M-53 and 32 Mile Road. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 64 jobs.

County:

Macomb

Highway:

M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway)

Closest city:

Imlay City

Start date:

Monday, June 10, 2024

Estimated end date:

August 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Work begins with single-lane closures. In late summer, M-53 will be closed between 33 Mile and 34 Mile roads for approximately one week.

Safety benefit:

This project is intended to improve M-53 ensuring operations and safety of the road.

 

Rebuilding and Improving M-46 and M-19 in Sanilac County

MDOT is investing $26.4 million to rebuild and improve M-46 and M-19 in Sanilac County. Work includes replacing the M-46 bridge over the Black River, rebuilding M-46 in the city of Sandusky, replacing storm sewer, upgrading traffic signals, replacing curbs, upgrading sidewalks, safety improvements, new bridge approaches, and guardrail work. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 375 jobs.

County:

Sanilac

Highway:

M-46

Closest city:

Sandusky

Start date:

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Estimated end date:

July 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Traffic will be detoured from M-19 via Miller Road to Campbell Road, M-46, Jackson Street, Argyle Street, and Dawson Street to M-46.

Both directions of M-46 will remain closed between M-19 and Jackson Street until late July. Traffic is detoured via N. Elk Street to Argyle Street and Jackson Street back to M-46. M-46 will also remain closed from Maple Valley Street/Dawson Street to M-19 until late October. Traffic is detoured via N. Elk Street, Argyle Street, and Dawson Street back to M-46.

Safety benefit:

This work will rebuild the aging roadways, supporting commuter and commercial traffic.

 

Bridge Improvements in Huron and Tuscola Counties

MDOT is investing $1.9 million to improve three bridges in Huron and Tuscola counties. Work will include scour countermeasures on the M-25 bridge over Bird Creek in Port Austin and the M-46 bridge over Houghton Creek in Juniata Township, as well as substructure and deck repairs on the M-24 bridge over the Cass River in Caro. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 23 jobs.

County:

Huron & Tuscola

Highway:

M-24, M-46, M-25

Closest city:

Caro, Port Austin, Vassar

Start date:

Monday, June10, 2024

Estimated end date:

September 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Work will begin on the M-24 bridge over the Cass River on June 10. Traffic will be detoured via M-46 west to Chambers Road, then M-81 (W. Caro Road) to W. Frank Street. When crews begin epoxying the deck, traffic will be maintained under flag operation.

Work will begin on the M-46 and M-25 bridges on July 1. Traffic will be maintained with a temporary signal at each bridge.

Safety benefit:

This maintenance work is being done to improve the service lives and safety of these bridges.

 

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.