2021 Accomplishments Countdown: Roads and Bridges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 22, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov 

2021 Accomplishments Countdown: Roads and Bridges 

Governor Whitmer counts down to 2022 by highlighting administration's progress on 10 kitchen-table issues that makes a difference in people's lives 

LANSING, Mich. - The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration is counting down the last 10 days of 2021 by celebrating Michigan's progress on 10 fundamental kitchen-table issues. Today we kick off the countdown by celebrating progress Michigan has made on rebuilding Michigan's roads and bridges.  

"This year, we continued fixing the damn roads and bridges with the right mix of materials to keep Michiganders safe," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "In the state that put the world on wheels, every family deserves access to roads that get them where they need to go without blowing an axle or cracking a windshield. I am committed to making lasting investments in infrastructure in state budgets and with my Rebuilding Michigan plan to keep moving dirt and connect our communities, families, and small businesses." 

"At MDOT, we are very grateful for the governor's firm commitment to fixing our state's transportation infrastructure and to the safety of the traveling public and road workers," said Paul C. Ajegba, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. "The Rebuilding Michigan program has already led to record investment in our state's roads and bridges and the year ahead promises even more." 

Getting Things Done 

Governor Whitmer is rebuilding Michigan's roads and bridges and creating tens of thousands of good-paying construction jobs. She launched the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges without an increase at the pump. Over 20 projects supporting 22,800 good-paying construction jobs are already underway. She secured funding to repair or replace nearly 100 local bridges in the latest bipartisan budget. She also continued Michigan's partnership around the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a key trade corridor between Michigan and Canada that has already created 2,500 good-paying jobs for Michiganders. The cones and barrels at hundreds of sites statewide demonstrate that Governor Whitmer is fixing our crumbling roads and bridges so that people can go to work and get home safely, parents can drive their kids to school without blowing an axle, and businesses can get their goods where they need to go. 

Key Numbers 

• Governor Whitmer has invested nearly $4.75 billion to repair, replace, or rehabilitate 13,198 lane miles of road and 903 bridges. 
• In this year's bipartisan budget, she invested $196 million to repair or replace nearly 100 local bridges in serious or critical condition, creating 2,500 jobs. 
• Governor Whitmer's five-year, $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan bond plan to build up state highways and bridges without an increase at the pump is underway is underway, with construction underway on I-496, I-94, and other projects. These projects are supporting approximately 22,800 construction jobs and an additional 21,700 jobs in other industries. 

Looking Ahead 

• In 2022, MDOT will make significant improvements on heavily traveled corridors across the state, funded through the governor's Rebuilding Michigan bonding program. Among some highlights: 

• A $300 million investment in I-275 in western Wayne County. Work began in 2021 and in 2022, contractors will rebuild southbound lanes from 5 Mile Road to Northline.  
• The busy commuter and commercial I-69 corridor near Flint will benefit from continued work on a $100 million project to rebuild the freeway between Fenton Road and M-54.  
• In Ingham County, major work continues on an $82 million rebuilding of the vital I-496 freeway, which feeds state government offices and many Lansing businesses. Contractors will rebuild the freeway from Lansing Road to the Grand River. 
• In Kent County, work begins on a state investment of $60 million to rebuild I-196 over the Grand River west of Grand Rapids. The project includes replacement of bridges. 

Intermodal facility 

• Because transportation includes more than freeways, we look forward to significant design and engineering work on a new intermodal station in the New Center area of Detroit. A $10 million federal grant award in late 2021 will make it possible for MDOT to advance the estimated $57 million project that will enhance the experience and connections for Amtrak and Greyhound, Indian Trails, and Barons Bus users as well as spawn commercial development in the area. 

Additional Roads and Bridges accomplishments can be found here. 

"2021 was the first in what we expect to be many years of increased investment in Michigan's roads and bridges," said Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager Douglas Stockwell. "This is the investment that we have needed for a long time, and we can already see the fruits of this attention. In every corner of our state, roads and bridges are being rebuilt safely, efficiently, and effectively. These projects not only make communities better for families and business, they put skilled professionals, like the members of Operating Engineers 324, to work while providing opportunities for the next generation to gain the training and experience that leads to lifelong, rewarding careers." 

"Our economy depends on transportation: whether for tourism, mining, or manufacturing, our roads bring business, visitors, and jobs. Investments in our transportation infrastructure are critical to the U.P. keeping us safely connected to the rest of the state and country," said Sarah Lucas, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership. "We're excited about the impact these resources will have on our region, and we're looking forward to working with the governor on this and other economic development initiatives in 2022."  

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