Governor Whitmer updates Michiganders on latest road construction in the state
LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced projects starting in Van Buren, Alger and Barry counties that are the latest in a years long effort to Fix the Damn Roads and improve Michigan’s infrastructure.
“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to grow our economy, helping Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school and run errands safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “By the end of this construction season, we will have fixed, repaired or replaced nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges, supporting thousands of good-paying, local jobs without raising taxes by a dime. This year, let’s build on our momentum to pass a bipartisan local road funding plan so we can keep fixing our damn roads and creating good-paying, local jobs.”
The projects announced are:
M-40 Culvert Replacement in Van Buren County
MDOT and contractor Hoffman Bros. Inc. will be replacing the Brandywine Creek culvert under M-40. The $2.1 million investment includes hot-mix asphalt reconstruction, culvert replacement, drainage upgrades, guardrail improvements, signs and pavement markings on M-40 at 24th Avenue. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 20 jobs.
M-28 Bridge Deck Replacement in Alger County
MDOT is investing about $1.1 million to rebuild the M-28 bridge over Prairie Creek in Alger County. Work includes deck replacement, concrete curb and gutter, bridge approach, guardrail work and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 10 jobs.
M-43 Culvert Replacement in Barry County
MDOT, in partnership with the Barry County Drain Commission, is investing $1.5 million to remove and replace the Watson Drain culvert under M-43 and Sprague Road just south of Delton. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 14 jobs.
Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has made great progress on Michigan’s roads.
Rebuilding Michigan Plan (2020–2025)
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Launched a $3.5 billion five-year bond to refresh state highways and bridges, backed by 120+ projects—no increase in the gas tax.
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Initial $800 million in September 2020 funded major corridors like I‑496, followed by an additional bond including a $120 million I‑94 Jackson County upgrade.
Historic Infrastructure Budget (FY 2023)
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Proposed a record $6.3 billion investment in state/local roads, bridges, airports, transit, and rail.
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Also passed the Building Michigan Together Plan:
– $316 million for roads and bridges
– $66 million for highway pump-station generators (storm resilience)
– $92 million for regional airport upgrades
Bipartisan $5 B Deal (2022)
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Signed infrastructure package totaling nearly $5 billion, including $400+ million specifically for roads and bridges.
State Trunkline Work (2019–2022)
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MDOT invested almost $7 billion, resurfacing/rebuilding 16,051 lane‑miles of trunklines —up from $4.8 billion and 15,232 lane‑miles during 2015–2018.
Local & Statewide Totals
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By end-2022, approximately 13,198 lane‑miles and 903 bridges were repaired or rebuilt, supporting ~82,000 jobs.
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By April 2025, this rose to an estimated 23,000 lane‑miles and 1,600 bridges, with ~89,000 jobs supported.
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Latest MDOT update (May–July 2025): U.S. 10 chip-seal project (Lake County) is part of a larger effort that pledges nearly 24,500 lane‑miles and 1,900 bridges addressed this season.
