News Summary
Beginning June 9, over 70 major road construction projects across Michigan are expected to impact traffic. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges drivers to prepare for delays as initiatives aim to enhance road quality without raising taxes. Key highways affected include U.S. 131, I-94, and I-96, with various lane closures and detours in place. Residents are encouraged to use MDOT resources for route planning during this busy construction period, which will ultimately improve the state’s infrastructure.
Michigan – Major road construction projects are set to impact traffic across the state of Michigan beginning June 9, with over 70 projects anticipated to create disruptions from June 15 to June 21. These initiatives are part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s efforts to improve the state’s roads while supporting the economy, all without raising taxes.
By the end of the construction season, nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges will have undergone repair or replacement. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges drivers to prepare for delays as extensive construction activities kick off throughout the state.
Traffic Disruptions and Major Highways Affected
Significant traffic delays are expected on several key highways. A few of the affected highways include:
- U.S. 131
- U.S. 127 – Intermittent single-lane closures will occur in Clinton County this week.
- I-94 – Evening closures from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. will take place in Washtenaw County from Sunday through Tuesday, along with single-lane closures at Dearing Road and Parma Road in Jackson County from 6 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Saturday.
- I-96 – Starting Monday, single-lane closures in Ingham County will continue until mid-July.
- U.S. 41 – Marquette County will experience single-lane closures for over two months, starting Monday.
- U.S. 31 – Intermittent single-lane closures will extend into mid-August in Emmet County.
- I-69 – One lane will be closed at the U.S. 127 interchange in Clinton County for the latter part of the week.
– Northbound lanes will close at 76th Street until July 15, with a detour established.
Specific Construction Projects
Several specific construction projects are noteworthy. The M-28 bridge over Prairie Creek in Alger County will undergo renovations costing approximately $1.1 million. This project will involve lane reductions and changes to speed limits.
In Van Buren County, M-40 will temporarily close at 24th Avenue for a $2.1 million culvert replacement, with detours in place for motorists.
Planning Ahead: Resources for Travelers
To assist drivers during this busy construction period, MDOT encourages the use of their Mi Drive website and GPS apps for planning routes amid closures. Both virtual and in-person public meetings are being hosted by MDOT to keep the public informed about ongoing and upcoming construction projects.
Future Infrastructure Improvements
Looking towards the future, MDOT has announced a major project planned on I-96 and M-66 in Ionia County, set to take place between 2025 and 2026. This project will focus on significant infrastructure improvements to benefit all Michiganders.
To minimize total road closures, the emphasis will be placed on utilizing partial closures and lane reductions for various projects throughout the state. This strategy aims to strike a balance between essential road work and minimizing inconvenience to drivers.
As the construction season progresses, officials remind everyone to stay updated on the changing traffic conditions to navigate their routes effectively. With projects rolling out and improvements being made, drivers can anticipate an enhanced travel experience once these initiatives are completed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Detroit Free Press: Michigan Traffic June MDOT Construction Lane Closures
- Fox47 News: Michigan Avenue Construction Project
- MLive: 10 Road Closures Planned This Week Across Michigan
- Wikipedia: Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michigan
