Lyon Charter Twp., MI -- On June 16th, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II provided an update on ongoing infrastructure construction projects as the administration makes the largest investment in state roads and bridges in Michigan’s history. Lt. Governor Gilchrist inspected progress made on the I-96 Rebuilding Michigan project at I-96 from Kent Lake Road to the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange, which is expected to support nearly 3,500 jobs. This project is one of over 20 Rebuilding Michigan projects that invest a historic $3.5 Billion into Michigan’s Infrastructure – without raising taxes. 

“For too long, drivers on this stretch of I-96 have contended with frequent accidents and congestion,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Through the Rebuilding Michigan program, we are installing intelligent transportation equipment that will relieve congestion and keep drivers safe. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to rebuilding roads throughout Michigan using the right mix of materials. We will keep working to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, support local economies, and keep drivers safe.” 

Project Profile: I-96 Flex Route in Oakland County 

The I-96 Flex Route is a three-year project to turn part of Interstate 96 in Oakland County into a route that utilizes the median shoulder to alleviate rush-hour congestion. The project includes rebuilding the freeway, rebuilding the median shoulders for use during peak periods, sign upgrades, and active traffic management installation, including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) equipment, overhead gantry installation, and ramp signals for metering traffic onto the freeway. Electronic message boards will alert drivers with speed advisories and travel information. Based on the jobs number multiplier, this project will support 3,416 jobs.

Historic Infrastructure Investments 

By the end of the year, Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist will have rebuilt 16,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs without raising taxes. 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.