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MDOT Director Wieferich asks for patience as active work zones increase statewide

Fast facts:

  • MDOT’s new video news release addresses concerns about the number of active road projects currently underway.
  • Historic investments from Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan bond funding program and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) are responsible for the increased construction statewide.
  • Director Wieferich reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention when driving through work zones.

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan residents don't have to hit the road for long before realizing 2024 is shaping up to be the "summer of the orange barrel." Following decades of underinvestment and voiced frustration from taxpayers, roads and bridges are finally seeing many of the improvements they've long needed.

Following historic investments from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan bond funding program, as well as from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been able to significantly bolster existing programs, adding crucial and long-term improvements to many state roads and bridges (I, M and US routes). Now with more roads and bridges under construction, taxpayer frustration sounds different.

In MDOT's newest video news release, State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich addresses the concern and frustrations he’s heard from taxpayers who feel all construction is happening at once. "We're hearing from drivers saying they wanted the roads fixed, but not every road at the same time," said Wieferich. "Like you, I and the other men and women at MDOT drive these roads and confront these same delays, but we're committed to improving infrastructure in the state of Michigan."

While there is no question the number of active work zones across Michigan is frustrating, the work being completed is long overdue, supporting thousands of high-paying jobs across the state.

The final and most important reminder Wieferich offers is for safe driving habits. "Please know it will be worth the wait, and please slow down and pay attention in work zones for your safety and for the hard-working men and women employed by the road-building industry to complete this work."

YouTube screen shot of Director Brad Wieferich.

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