The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration Marks a Historic Infrastructure Project in Detroit  

DETROIT, Mich. – On July 25th, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II was joined by federal, state, and local leaders to tour the I-94 Second Avenue Bridge project as construction crews complete a multi-day movement to slide the bridge into its final position. This is the largest project of its kind in Michigan history and the first network tied arch bridge in the state of Michigan. The design of the new bridge eliminates the need for a center pier, which will accommodate the future I-94/M-10 interchange. 

“I am excited to be a part of this historic infrastructure event and celebrate as we mark a major step forward in rebuilding and modernizing our state’s infrastructure,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist II. “Thanks to the investments made in the Building Michigan Together Plan and the Rebuilding Michigan Plan since the governor and I took office through the end of this year, 89,000 hardworking Michiganders will have fixed over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges. This project proves we can build transformational infrastructure in Michigan and reflects what happens when we come together and to invest in improving Michiganders’ everyday lives.” 

“This innovative network tied-arch bridge project demonstrates what we can accomplish together,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “With sufficient transportation funding, we can make these sorts of investments. Investments that connect communities and provide better mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles.” 

“These are the types of infrastructure investments that Michigan needs to continue to grow and attract businesses and new residents,” said State Senator Adam Hollier (D-Detroit). “I am so proud to have worked with Governor Whitmer on a budget that funds the most critical needs of our state.” 

About the Second Avenue Bridge Move 

The new Second Avenue structure will be the first network tied arch bridge built in the state of Michigan using cables that are crossed from the top of the arch to the bottom of the driving surface on both sides of the structure.  

Moving the skeleton of the bridge across the freeway was done using self-propelled modular transporters, which are multi-axled rolling platforms. The skeleton was then secured onto the new bridge supports on each side of I-94. Afterward, a team of engineers will conduct detailed inspections prior to reopening the freeway.  

The new bridge will support the I-94 freeway modernization, and allow for wider sidewalks, bike lanes and other aesthetic features designed to improve safety and enhance the surrounding community. The Second Avenue bridge was originally built in 1954 and has never been replaced. Additional information on the Second Avenue bridge can be found here.      

Follow the I-94 modernization project on the web at https://I94Detroit.org or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/I94Detroit or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/I94Detroit.?? ?  

Rebuilding Michigan’s Roads and Bridges  

Since taking office through the end of 2022, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist will have replaced more than 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting more than 89,000 jobs without raising taxes by a dime. 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. 

Infrastructure Investments in the FY 2023 Budget 

Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist’s fourth balanced and bipartisan budget expands on the investments in the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan signed in April by speeding up replacement of lead service lines, reducing traffic congestion at local rail crossings, improving state fish hatcheries, and funding long-overdue maintenance projects at state facilities. Additionally, the budget will make critical improvements to Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County, invest in Innovate Mound, a transformative project to rebuild Mound Road, one of the most important corridors in Southeast Michigan, and fund modernize Michigan’s armories, shoring up our readiness and supporting local construction jobs.