MDOT reflects on 2025 accomplishments as construction across the state winds down

LANSING, Mich. - As the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) closes the book on the 2025 construction season, the department reflects on several impactful projects shared in its latest YouTube video, highlighting projects responsible for improving the state's infrastructure, safety and mobility for all Michigan residents.

In MDOT's North Region, a $26 million investment involved rebuilding 2.2 miles of M-72/M-22, also known as Grandview Parkway and Bay Shore Drive, in Traverse City. Work included a new roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection, incorporating Bay Street and improving drainage and public transit stops. Pedestrian improvements included hybrid beacon signals, pedestrian refuge islands and improved sidewalks and shared-use paths. 

"Intentional infrastructure connects neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and, more importantly, people," said Jill Sill, executive director of Norte. "This corridor now reflects the kind of community that we strive to be. We want to be connected, inclusive and full of movement."

University Region saw year two of rebuilding I-496/US-127 completed, with work finished to rebuild the southbound lanes from the I-496 interchange to the I-96 interchange. The $205 million investment includes rebuilding 3.7 miles of roadway, addressing safety concerns, improving traffic and lighting, and improving bridges throughout the project leading into the state capital and East Lansing. 

"I think we feel centered, I think we feel prioritized, I think we feel seen, we feel heard," said Lansing City Councilmember Adam Hussain. "When you talk about an infrastructure project like that, people look at projects and they really delve deep into how meaningful those really are. Thank you to the individuals, be it state, MDOT, that were essentially behind this. I think that these are dollars have been well invested. We certainly appreciate it."

On Michigan's west side of the state, MDOT's Grand Region saw a $30 million investment bring improvements to the city of Walker, replacing the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge at I-96. This work was supported by a $25 million legislative grant, and saw the bridge widened from two lanes to five, with the addition of a new nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides. 

"Projects like this don't happen overnight,” said City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey. "They take vision, persistence, partnership and a shared belief that our infrastructure is worth investing in. And to all the contractors, engineers and crews who worked tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, our community owes you a large debt of gratitude." 

In the Upper Peninsula's Ontonagon County, a $6.5 million investment improved more than 5 miles of M-26 from US-45 to M-38. Work included resurfacing the roadway, culvert replacement, drainage improvements, and concrete curb and gutter. The addition of a left-turn lane in Mass City is aimed at improving safety by providing traffic calming and easier left-turn movements for access to businesses through town. 

"It's always nice as a small community to feel noticed by the state and to have them come in and get it all fixed up," said Jennifer Nuemann, Greenland Township supervisor. "It really helps the appearance of the town and the township, and it just makes everything look better and run more smooth, of course."

Southwest Region saw significant changes at the US-131/US-131 Business Route interchange north of Kalamazoo, as a $19 million investment included adding two new ramps and bridges, allowing better connections for residents and travelers to downtown Kalamazoo. Funding was secured by state Sen. Sean McCann (19th District) and Rep. Julie Rogers (41st District), as well as former U.S. Congressman Fred Upton. 

"It's amazing," said Sen. McCann. "It's deeply cathartic because everyone's wanted this to happen for decades, so to finally see it come to fruition is just a really uplifting feeling. It only went one way, so to get it to be able go in all directions is amazing, it's transformational. And I think that it's really going to help quality of life in our community as well as promote economic development."

MDOT's Metro Region began the final phase of the Restore the Ruether project on I-696 between M-10 and I-75. The multi-year, $250 million investment involved rebuilding eastbound I-696, along with new median barrier, multiple bridges being repaired and the rebuilding of the Church Street Plaza bridge that will contain Victoria Park. 

"It's been really eye opening to see, first, how much infrastructure goes into something that we use so regularly, we don't even think about," said Rabbi Matt Zerwekh of Temple Emanu-El. "But what has been really special is seeing how MDOT and the community have worked together. It's been really wonderful as a community leader to see how engaged with the community MDOT has been."

In Flint, a $141 million investment to rebuild 3 miles of I-475 was completed, thanks in part to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program. The two-year project also involved building a new bridge over the Flint River while addressing improvements to several other structures. 

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist visited the project in November, noting his appreciation to crews who ensured the new roadway is both safe and high quality. "To show that this freeway is now reopened and bustling all the way from the Flint River to Carpenter Road, it speaks to Michigan's commitment to making sure our roads are safe, to making sure that they are the highest quality in the region. And we have these amazing workers."

While construction season may be nearly complete, MDOT reminds drivers to remain safe and vigilant while traveling our roadways. Whether you're facing orange barrels or a snowplow, we want everyone to make it home safely. Thank you to the hard-working men and women of MDOT, project consultants and contractors, and the laborers who make these projects possible every day.