July 14, 2003
July 14, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is recommending today that the Michigan Department of Transportation resume work on 17 capacity improvement projects paused as part of the Preserve First Initiative. The recommendation is the result of discussions with legislative leaders and input from leaders and citizens across the state.
"The road projects I am recommending today will help create at least 6,000 direct construction-related jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. After discussions with the Legislature and the Michigan Transportation Commission, and input from local communities, we were able to craft a fiscally responsible plan that preserves our current transportation system first while moving forward on expansion projects vital to our state's economy," said Granholm. "Making sure that Michigan has a strong transportation system is a key component to ensuring that we continue to be a magnet state for new business growth. These projects also will help eliminate traffic congestion in our communities."
The Governor's recommendation will cost approximately $250 million and will benefit communities across the state. The funding to make these improvements will come from the issuance of up to $200 million in bonds authorized by the Transportation Commission, with the remainder coming from other sources. A list of resumed projects is attached.
Superior Region
US-2, Iron Mountain, Washington Street to Michigan Avenue, Dickinson County.
The design for a widening of US-2 from Washington Street to Michigan Avenue is currently underway. MDOT is resuming its right of way acquisition and construction phases. Construction will be let in the spring of 2004 and the estimated cost for these phases is $12,200,000. Preservation projects along US-2 in Iron Mountain will continue.
North Region
M-72, US-31 northeast of Traverse City to the Kalkaska County Line, Grand Traverse County.
A feasibility study was recently completed to determine the impacts of various cross section designs for M-72 between US-31 and the east Grand Traverse County line. An access management plan was also developed for this segment as part of the study effort. The access management plan will help local governments develop and/or update local land use regulations.
M-42, from existing US-131 to new US-131, Wexford County.
The design for a widening of M-42, from 2 to 3 lanes, between the new US-131 freeway and existing US-131 will be completed in early 2004. MDOT will resume the right of way and construction phases in 2004 with an expected letting date in late FY 2004. The cost estimate for right of way and construction is $1,300,000. This proposed improvement is part of a number of projects tied to the new US-131 freeway from Cadillac to Manton.
Grand Region
I-196/Chicago Drive Interchange Modification (Baldwin Road Connector), Kent and Ottawa Counties
A study is underway to provide additional I-196 access to the Jenison area of Georgetown Township. The environmental clearance activities for this interchange modification have been initiated and are planned for completion in 2004. Following the completion of an environmental document, the design phase will resume and is expected to be completed in 2006. The design cost estimate is $2,500,000. Right-of-way acquisition and construction activities will be completed in future Five Year Road and Bridge Programs. This project is located in the Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Commission. Its director is Mr. Don Stypula, and he can be reached at 616-776-3876.
I-96/ 36th Street Interchange (I-96 Airport Area Access)
An Environmental Impact Statement has been approved for a new I-96 interchange connecting to the 36th Street extension in Kent County near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in southeastern metropolitan Grand Rapids. A final Record of Decision was granted by the Federal Highway Administration in April 2003. Work will resume on the design, right of way and construction phases and cost an estimated $20,400,000, and the construction letting is expected in 2005. This project is located in the Grand Valley Metropolitan Planning Commission. Its director is Mr. Don Stypula, and he can be reached at 616-776-3876.
Bay Region
M-84, from south of Kochville Road to the south Junction of M-13, Saginaw and Bay Counties.
This project is planned for: five lanes from south of Kochville to north of Pierce; a four-lane boulevard from north of Pierce to Delta; and a variable three to five lane cross section from Delta to M-13 (Euclid Ave) in Bay City. Environmental clearance documentation and design work are complete. Construction of the five-lane segment from Kochville to Pierce Road is complete, and the finish pavement course will be applied in 2003. Right-of-way acquisition is complete for the entire segment. The MDOT will resume the construction phase of this project. Thirteen million dollars will be provided for this work. The construction cost for the entire segment is estimated to be $28 million. The limits of the construction will be determined by the MPO's having jurisdiction over the segment. The Bay County Planning Department and the Saginaw County Metropolitan Planning Commission. The respective directors and phone numbers are Gary Stanley (989) 895-4110) and Jay Reithel (989) 797-6809.
M-24, from the south Lapeer County line to south of I-69, Lapeer County.
This 8.5 mile segment of M-24 in Lapeer County is planned to be widened from two-lanes to a four-lane boulevard from south of I 69 to south of Brauer Road. The Federal Highway Administration issued environmental clearance in June 2002, and MDOT will complete the design phase in 2005. The MDOT will resume right-of-way acquisition and construction of M-24 as a boulevard between I-69 and Pratt Road. Construction will begin in late 2005 and $25 million will be provided to complete this phase. Right-of-way acquisition and construction of the segment between Pratt and Brauer Roads is being deferred to a future Five Year Road and Bridge Program. This project is not located in an MPO area.
US-127, North of St. Johns to Ithaca, Clinton and Gratiot Counties.
A two-year engineering study to develop a plan for improvements to US-127 north of St. Johns to Ithaca has been completed. The MDOT will resume work on the re-evaluation of the previously approved Environmental Impact Statement and the preparation of final right-of-way plans will continue through 2004 at a cost of $1 million. The acquisition of right-of-way is being deferred to a future Five Year Road and Bridge Program. No construction funds have been identified and no construction dates have been targeted. The southern segment of this project is located in the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission MPO. The MPO director is Jon Coleman (517) 393-0342).
Southwest Region
US-31, Napier Avenue to I-94, Berrien County.
The last segment of the new limited access freeway is in the final stages of the environmental clearance process. A preferred alternative has been recommended and the Federal Highway Administration and state resource agencies have completed their review of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS). A Record of Decision for the preferred alternative is expected in Fall 2003. The MDOT will resume work on the design and right-of-way acquisition phases, at an estimated cost of $11.5 million, after the Record of Decision is made by the Federal Highway Administration. This could happen as early as 2004. The construction phase is deferred to a future Five Year Road and Bridge Program. Napier Avenue, the temporary connection between US-31 and I-94, has been widened to meet current and future traffic needs. This project is located in the Southwestern Commission MPO. The director is John Egelhaaf, (269) 925-1137.
US-131, State Line to North Township Line Lockport Township, St. Joseph County.
MDOT is conducting an early preliminary engineering (EPE) study to obtain environmental clearance for a preferred improvement alternative for US-131 from the State Line to Edgerton Road north of Three Rivers (16.0 miles). Completion of the environmental clearance was scheduled for 2003, however the consideration of a new alternative has caused the department to extend the schedule into 2004. The completion of this phase is expected to cost $1,000,000. Pending the results of the EPE study, the department will determine whether subsequent project phases are justified. This project is not located in an MPO area.
University Region
M-59, from I-96 to Old US-23 (Whitmore Lake Road), Livingston County.
The environmental clearance phase for the widening of this segment of M-59 will be completed in 2003. Right-of-way preservation has been underway for several years in this rapidly developing corridor. MDOT will reinstate design and right-of-way acquisition phases which will be completed over a two year period beginning in 2003. The estimated cost to complete these two phases is $25 million. Construction will be deferred to a future Five Year Road and Bridge Program. This project is located in the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments MPO area. The MPO director is Paul Tait, (313) 961-4266.
Metro Region
I-75/I-96/Ambassador Bridge Gateway, Detroit, Wayne County.
The Ambassador Bridge handles the largest volume of international freight of any border crossing in North America. This project will reconstruct I-75 (and I-96) from West Grand Boulevard to the Conrail Bridge, just north of Michigan Avenue, in the City of Detroit, and provide new direct access ramps from the Ambassador Bridge to I-75 and I-96. Environmental clearance for the project was obtained in 1997. Modifications to the design were approved by the FHWA in 1999. Final design of the project is expected to be completed in 2004. Design modifications are being made to resolve the requirements of the General Services Administration, U.S. Customs, and the Detroit International Bridge Company. The MDOT will resume work on the remaining right of way and construction phases of this project. Forty five million dollars is being provided to complete this work. These funds will be utilized in conjunction with funds previously allocated for the preservation portion of this project. Construction could begin in late 2005, pending a successfully negotiated implementation agreement between the Detroit International Bridge Company and MDOT.
I-96/Beck Road, Novi and Wixom, Oakland County.
This project involves the reconstruction of this interchange utilizing a Single Point Urban Interchange design (SPUI). This project will convert the existing interchange from a partial to a full service interchange and correct operational problems associated with the existing design. Environmental clearance for this project has been received and design work will be completed in 2003. The department is working with the local communities and developers regarding right-of-way donations for this project. The MDOT will resume work on the project by continuing right-of-way acquisition, and, pending successful right of way negotiations, construction of the project could begin in 2003. Forty six million dollars is being provided to complete this project.
I-696 / Franklin Road, Southfield, Oakland County.
This project will modify the existing interchange at I-696/US-24/M-10 and add two ramps (an east bound off ramp to Franklin Road and a west bound on ramp from Northwestern Highway) to improve access to the area. The environmental clearance phase, design activities and right-of-way acquisition for this project will be completed by the city of Southfield. Two of the locally-funded components of the project, the relocation of Franklin Road and the replacement of parking in the northwest quadrant of the interchange may be completed this year. MDOT will reinstate the construction phase of the project which includes the new ramps and reconstruction of the freeway in the project area. Thirteen million dollars is being provided for the MDOT work. Construction could begin in late 2004, pending successful resolution of local design and right-of-way issues.
I-75 /Crooks Road, Troy, Oakland County.
This project will reconstruct the existing interchange and provide additional ramps at Long Lake Road. The environmental clearance process for this project has been completed. Design activities have progressed to the point that right-of-way requirements are clearly identified. Subsequent design work will be reinstated and completed following the acquisition of right-of-way by the City of Troy. The remaining design work is estimated to cost $4 million.
M-59 / Adams Road, Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Oakland County.
The relocation of the M-59/Adams Road interchange is required to provide proper spacing between this interchange and the new interchange at M-59/Squirrel Road that was constructed to improve access to this area of Oakland County. The environmental clearance process for this project has been completed, and the majority of the necessary right-of-way has been acquired. Design work is underway and will be completed in 2003. The MDOT will resume work on the acquisition of the remaining right-of-way parcels and construction. Construction of this project will take place over a two year period beginning in 2005, pending the completion of all associated local road improvements. Eighteen million dollars will be provided to complete the remaining MDOT work.
M-53 Interchange at Van Dyke Road and 18 ½ Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Macomb County.
This interchange modification is planned to include new ramps to and from the north on M-53, and grade-separation of the skewed M-53/Van Dyke intersection. The north M-53 interchange ramps will connect to an improved local road connector from Van Dyke to Mound along 18-1/2 Mile Road, which will be realigned and widened from two to five lanes, with reconfigured intersections at each end. MDOT will complete the design for both projects in 2003. MDOT will reinstate the construction phase of this project. Construction of the M-53/Van Dyke interchange ramps and grade separation could begin in late 2003 or early 2004. Some $10.4 million is being provided to complete the MDOT portion of this project.
Please note: All Metro Region projects are located in the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments MPO area. The MPO director is Paul Tait (313) 961-4266.
