Governor Whitmer Announces Road Repairs in Five Michigan Counties

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Governor Whitmer Announces Road Repairs in Five Michigan Counties

Lansing, MI - July 15, 2024 - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will kick off several road projects this week across five counties. These initiatives, which range from railroad repairs to resurfacing, are part of Whitmer’s ongoing commitment to improving the state's infrastructure. All of the projects are expected to support nearly 700 jobs and significantly enhance road safety and efficiency.

"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," Governor Whitmer said. "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."

Genesee County: M-57 Resurfacing

MDOT is investing approximately $2.3 million to resurface 9.8 miles of M-57 from M-54 to M-15 in Genesee County. This project, which includes hot-mix asphalt cold milling, resurfacing, and new pavement markings, aims to improve road safety and smoothness. Economic modeling predicts this investment will support 28 jobs. The project will start on July 15, 2024, and is expected to be completed by late September 2024. Daytime single-lane closures will be managed with flagging operations.

Iosco County: M-65 Resurfacing

In Iosco County, MDOT is investing $872,000 to resurface nearly 2 miles of M-65 from Dyer Road to Turtle Road. This project will include new pavement markings and rumble strips to enhance driver awareness and overall road safety. The project, which will support 11 jobs, is set to begin on July 15, 2024, and finish by September 13, 2024. Single-lane closures will be maintained with alternating traffic regulated by traffic controllers.

Kalamazoo County: US-131 Railroad Crossing

A significant $51 million investment will be made to rebuild and repave 13.4 miles of US-131 from the Rocky River in Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, to Shaver Road in Schoolcraft. The project includes rebuilding a railroad crossing to improve safety and efficiency. This project will start on July 15, 2024, with southbound traffic detoured via U Avenue, 8th Street, and XY Avenue, while northbound traffic will be detoured via XY Avenue, Portage Road, and U Avenue. The entire project is expected to support 617 jobs.

Lenawee County: M-34 Resurfacing

MDOT is allocating $1.8 million to resurface M-34 (Beecher Road) in Adrian, from Industrial Drive to Hazen Creek. This project, which is expected to support 22 jobs, aims to provide a safer route for drivers. It will start on July 15, 2024, and is scheduled to be completed by August 23, 2024. Traffic will be managed with alternating traffic sharing the open lane during the repaving process.

St. Clair County: M-19 Resurfacing

In St. Clair County, MDOT is investing $1.5 million to resurface M-19 from the city of Memphis to I-69. This work includes paver-placed surface seal, fog seal, corrugations, pavement markings, and shoulder gravel, aiming to extend the lifespan of the roadway and provide a smoother driving surface. The project will support 18 jobs and will begin on July 15, 2024, with an expected completion date of August 29, 2024. Single-lane closures will be implemented daily, maintaining two-way traffic with traffic regulators.

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 emphasizes the importance of using the right mix and materials to ensure longevity and safety, supporting 89,000 construction jobs without raising taxes.

These projects are part of the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment in highways and bridges, and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, the largest one-time infrastructure investment in state history.

For more information on Governor Whitmer's infrastructure accomplishments, visit the Infrastructure Accomplishments page.

Governor Whitmer continues to lead efforts to enhance Michigan's infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable roads for all residents and fostering economic growth statewide.