MICHIGAN — In Michigan, one of the sure signs that Spring has sprung and Summer is approaching is the blooming of orange cones and migration of construction workers to highways and bridges across Michigan. Last week, the Whitmer administration announced projects starting in seven counties.
“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 20,000 lane miles of state-owned roads and 1,400 bridges since I took office, supporting 89,000 jobs without raising taxes by a dime.”
The projects announced include:
Repaving US-31 in Grand Traverse County: The $2.5 million investment will repave US-31 in Traverse City and Garfield Township from the Grandview Parkway to 10th Street, and 14th Street to South Airport Road.
Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton County: A $4.3 million investment in repair work on the US-41/M-26 Portage Lake Lift Bridge between Houghton and Hancock. Work will include replacement of elevators and installing false decking under a bridge span.
US-127 Resurfacing and Bridge Repair in Ingham County: The next phase of a multi-year resurfacing and bridge repair project along US-127 will continue with a $62 million investment to resurface 12.5 miles of pavement, repair 10 structures, improve drainage, and install guardrail and a barrier wall on US-127 between the Jackson/Ingham County line and M-36 in Ingham County.
I-496 Improvements in Ingham County: MDOT is investing $400,000 for repaving on Pennsylvania Avenue at the westbound I-496 ramp in Lansing. This project will also include traffic signal upgrades and curb and ramp improvements.
US-2 Resurfacing Project in Iron County: This $1.1 million investment will resurface 2.3 miles of US-2 from Gibbs City Road to Ninth Avenue in the city of Iron River.
Bridge Repair Project in Iron and Ontonagon Counties: Three bridges in Iron and Ontonogon Counties will see $2.9 million in investment. Work will include a deep overlay; epoxy overlay; joint replacement; deck, railing and substructure patching; curb and gutter repairs; guardrail; and approach work on US-45 over the east branch of the Ontonagon River, M-64 over the Mineral River, and M-69 over the Paint River.
Ramp Rebuilding in Washtenaw County: MDOT will do ramp rebuilding workin Washtenaw County at US-23 at Willis Road.
“These projects we are kicking off will support over 1,800 jobs and make a difference for families and small businesses in Michigan communities,” Whitmer continued. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished through my Rebuilding Michigan program and bipartisan Building Michigan Together plan, and I look forward to building on the progress. Let’s roll up our sleeves and keep getting things done.”
