LANSING, Mich.   Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin road projects this week across three counties. These projects include resurfacing on I-196 in Allegan County, pavement sealing on M-553 in Marquette County, and concrete patching on I-75 in Oakland County, estimated to support 243 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.” 

 

I-196 Resurfacing in Allegan County 

MDOT is investing $3 million to resurface seven miles of I-196 from 118th Avenue to 71st Street in Ganges and Casco townships. The project includes full-depth concrete pavement repairs, joint replacement and resurfacing the I-196 interchange ramps at Blue Star Highway (Exit 30), 109th Avenue (Exit 26) and the Glenn Rest Area on northbound I-196 to increase safety, improve the ride quality and extend the service lives of the roadway and rest area. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 36 jobs. 

 

“This investment will provide much-needed updates and repairs to improve the quality of our roads and ensure safer commutes for our drivers,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (St. Joseph)“The project will not only increase safety, but it will also support economic development in our community by creating new jobs.” 

 

County:   

Allegan  

Highway:   

I-196 

Closest city:   

Glenn 

Start date:   

Monday, July 22, 2024 

Estimated end date:   

Mid-November 

Traffic restrictions:   

Lane closures and intermittent ramp closures will be in effect throughout the project. 

Safety benefit:   

This project will increase safety, improve the ride quality and extend the service lives of the roadway and rest area. 

 

M-553 Pavement Sealing in Marquette County 

MDOT is investing an estimated $2.1 million to resurface 13 miles of M-553 from M-35 north to County Road 480 in Marquette County. Work includes pavement sealing, edge trimming, hand patching, and pavement markings to increase safety for motorists and extend the lifespan of the roadway. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 25 jobs.

 

“When we invest in our region’s infrastructure, we’re investing in the wellbeing of today, tomorrow and generations to come,” said state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette). “I’m grateful for Gov. Whitmer’s continued focus on repairing our community’s roads. These local projects will create more jobs in Marquette County and increase the safety and longevity of M-553 for residents and tourists alike.” 

 

County:   

Marquette 

Highway:   

M-553 

Closest city:   

Gwinn 

Start date:   

Monday, July 22, 2024 

Estimated end date:   

Early-September 2024 

Traffic restrictions:   

Work will require single-lane closures with one lane of alternating traffic open using traffic regulators. 

Safety benefit:   

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

 

I-75 Concrete Patching in Oakland County 

MDOT is investing $15 million to rebuild I-75 BL (Square Lake Road) between M-1 (Woodward Avenue) and I-75. Beginning 9 a.m. Monday, July 22, the southbound I-75 ramp to westbound I-75 Business Loop (BL) (Square Lake Road) will be closed for approximately 10 days for concrete patching to improve the safety of the roads. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 182 jobs. 

 

“MDOT’s rebuild of Square Lake Road between Woodward and I-75 is a significant investment in our district. This $15 million project will deliver a smoother, safer roadway while supporting a major corridor for our local economy,” said Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “These improvements will increase accessibility between communities, promote economic growth, and greatly improve the daily driving experience for our residents. It’s a huge win for Oakland County.”  

 

“Those of us who drive on Square Lake Road between Woodward Avenue and I-75 know just how badly these repairs are needed,” said state Representative Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy). “That is why I’m happy to see that MDOT is investing so much in rebuilding this section of the road. Not only will these repairs improve safety of the roads, but they will also provide nearly 200 jobs for the area. This is a win-win for our community.” 

 

County:   

Oakland 

Highway:   

I-75 

Closest city:   

Bloomfield Township 

Start date:   

Monday, July 22, 2024 

Estimated end date:   

Mid-August 

Traffic restrictions:   

Southbound I-75 traffic heading for westbound I-75 BL (Square Lake Road) will be detoured via westbound M-59 and southbound M-1 (Woodward Avenue). An alternative detour is to continue further south on I-75 to westbound I-696, then take northbound M-1 (Woodward Avenue). 

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. 

 

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