Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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January 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2025
Contact: michiganinfrastructure@michigan.gov
Michigan Announces Federal Grants to Rebuild the East Beltline Bridge and Infrastructure Projects Around the State
$34.7 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Advances Efforts to Foster Equity and Enhance Mobility
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) today announced a series of grants totaling $34.7 million to support infrastructure projects that will reconnect communities, improve accessibility, and address decades of inequities caused by past infrastructure decisions. The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), is administered through two U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) programs: the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program.
“These projects are about more than just roads and bridges—they are about building a more equitable and connected state,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer of Michigan and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “By prioritizing community needs, mobility, and environmental stewardship, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Michigan, where every resident has access to the vital services, opportunities and quality of life they deserve."
“When we reconnect our communities, we provide Michiganders with safer access to the nearby businesses and services they need to live a successful life,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “I was proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, which helped deliver these key investments to upgrade our critical infrastructure, create job opportunities, and revitalize neighborhoods across our state.”
RAISE Program: Restoring Connections and Sustainability Across Michigan
The RAISE program is designed to support transportation infrastructure improvements across the country. A large percentage of the grants from RAISE are allocated to historically disadvantaged regions, supporting areas of persistent poverty. This funding grows the economy by making transportation infrastructure more resilient, accessible, and affordable while reducing air pollution. The following projects were announced as part of Michigan’s efforts to enhance connectivity, equity, and sustainability across the state:
MDOT will replace the East Beltline Bridge, enhancing vehicle lanes, ADA-compliant pedestrian walkways, and dedicated bicycle infrastructure. The upgraded bridge will improve connectivity for residents and businesses, supporting economic growth while ensuring safer multimodal transportation options.
The City of Jackson will invest $3.9 million in RCP funding to revitalize key roadways, sidewalks, and bike lanes, including community-focused upgrades such as tree-lined pathways. These improvements will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while boosting the overall aesthetic appeal of the area, making it more inviting to both residents and visitors.
“I am thrilled that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continue to invest in West Michigan,” said U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten. “Our state put the world on wheels, and we must continue to bolster our infrastructure to keep the country moving forward. DOT’s RAISE grant dollars will be used to ensure that the East Beltline Bridge is replaced to expand traveler safety and accessibility. Additionally, the Department’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) funding aims to improve East-West connections under the U.S.-131 to ensure that all West Michiganders can enjoy the neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational opportunities our community has to offer.”
RCP Program: Addressing Inequities and Bridging Communities
The RCP program focuses on improving access to essential services and fostering equitable development in communities impacted by past infrastructure decisions, including those divided by highways. Notable RCP-funded Michigan projects include:
The City of Lansing will lead a planning study to explore ways to reconnect the historic Island Neighborhood, which was divided by the construction of I-496. Options such as highway caps, pedestrian pathways, and other crossings will be considered to restore neighborhood cohesion and improve mobility.
The City of Detroit will design a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to improve access between underserved neighborhoods and the Joe Louis Greenway. This crossing will reduce physical barriers created by the Livernois-Junction rail terminal, empowering residents with safer routes to jobs, schools, and green spaces.
This MDOT-led project will focus on the design and engineering studies to reconnect Brush Park, the Cass Corridor, and downtown Detroit. The studies aim to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating highway caps to enhance green space and improve pedestrian safety.
MDOT will invest this funding to study ways to improve east-west connectivity under US-131, focusing on enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access while reducing physical barriers
“We’re pleased to receive this grant, allowing our department to make a significant improvement for all road users in the Grand Rapids area,” said State Transportation Director, Bradley C. Wieferich. “Rebuilding and modernizing this interchange with the addition of non-motorized and pedestrian lanes supports safety and mobility for all.”
Since the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Michigan has secured more than $13 billion in federal funding to improve roads, bridges, public transit, water infrastructure, and broadband access. These investments are improving communities across the state by creating good-paying jobs, addressing long-standing inequities, and building resilient infrastructure for generations to come. By leveraging these funds, Michigan is ensuring its residents have access to safer, more connected, and sustainable communities while strengthening the state’s economy and overall well-being.
About the Michigan Infrastructure Office
The Michigan Infrastructure Office is responsible for organizing and executing Governor Whitmer’s vision for infrastructure, coordinating across state government, marshaling resources, and partnering with local officials, federal partners, and outside stakeholders to ensure resources sent to Michigan through BIL, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), are used efficiently and effectively. For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office, please visit their website.