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Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Four Counties

Government and Politics

May 20, 2024

From: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

LANSING, MI - On May 20, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin four road and bridge repair projects this week including highway rebuilding in Dickinson County, bridge repairs in Jackson County, a resurfacing project in Marquette County, and culvert replacements in Ontonagon County. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 2,022 jobs.

“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 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.”

M-95 Rebuilding Project in Dickinson County

MDOT is investing about $2.2 million to rebuild a quarter mile of M-95 from Hamilton Avenue to Woodward Avenue in the cities of Kingsford and Iron Mountain in Dickinson County. Work includes asphalt rebuilding, concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk and ramps, watermain, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and pavement markings. This project includes a five-year materials and workmanship pavement warranty. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 27 jobs.

County:

Dickinson

Highway:

M-95

Closest city:

Kingsford, Iron Mountain

Start date:

Monday, May 20, 2024

Estimated end date:

Mid-August 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Work will be performed during daytime hours only. Northbound M-95 traffic will be maintained using lane shifts, with southbound traffic detoured onto city streets. An 11-foot lane width restriction will be in place during the project.

Safety benefit:

This project will increase safety for motorists and extend the lifespan of the roadway.

I-94/M-99Road and Bridge Rebuilding in Jackson County

MDOT will continue the $162 million I-94 road and bridge rebuilding project in Jackson County starting Tuesday. In result, the M-99 bridge over I-94 will close and eastbound and westbound I-94 will have single-lane closures under the M-99 bridge. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,960 jobs.

County:

Jackson

Highway:

I-94

Closest city:

Jackson

Start date:

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Estimated end date:

Friday, May24, 2024

Traffic restrictions:

This work will require closing the M-99 bridge over I-94 and single-lane closures on eastbound and westbound I-94 under the bridge. Motorists should expect delays.

Safety benefit:

These improvements will provide increased safety and mobility in this area of I-94, which is a significant local and national trade corridor.

Funding for this project is made possible by Governor Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state's economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state's infrastructure.

M-553 Resurfacing Project in Marquette County

MDOT is investing about $1 million to mill and resurface about two miles of M-553 between Division Street and US-41 in Marquette. Work will include asphalt milling and paving, sidewalk ramps, curb and gutter, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 12 jobs.

County:

Marquette

Highway:

M-553

Closest city:

Marquette

Start date:

Monday, May 20, 2024

Estimated end date:

August 2024

Traffic restrictions:

Motorists should expect single-lane closures.

Safety benefit:

This work will improve the safety and operations of the roadway and provide a smoother driving surface, extending the life of the road.

M-28 Culvert Project in Ontonagon County

MDOT is investing about $1.9 million to replace a culvert on M-28 over Rolston Creek in Ontonagon County. Work will include culvert replacement, road reconstruction, ditch grading, signs, scour countermeasures, and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to support 23 jobs.

County:

Ontonagon

Highway:

M-28

Closest city:

Trout Creek

Start date:

Monday, May 20, 2024

Estimated end date:

Friday, September 20, 2024

Traffic restrictions:

One lane of alternating traffic will be maintained on M-28 using temporary traffic signals. A 13-foot lane width restriction will be in place during the project.

Safety benefit:

This work will replace a culvert that had reached the end of its useful lifespan, ensuring the continued safety and operation of the roadway.

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 is focused on rebuilding our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed, supporting 89,000 good-paying construction jobs along the way.

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.