June 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Van Buren, Alger, and Barry Counties
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin road and culvert repair projects this week in several counties across the state, including Van Buren, Alger, and Barry. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to directly and indirectly support 44 jobs.
"Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to grow our economy, helping Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school and run errands safely," said Governor Whitmer. "By the end of this construction season, we will have fixed, repaired or replaced nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges, supporting thousands of good-paying, local jobs without raising taxes by a dime. This year, let's build on our momentum to pass a bipartisan local road funding plan so we can keep fixing our damn roads and creating good-paying, local jobs."
M-40 Culvert Replacement in Van Buren County
MDOT and contractor Hoffman Bros. Inc. will be replacing the Brandywine Creek culvert under M-40. The $2.1 million investment includes hot-mix asphalt reconstruction, culvert replacement, drainage upgrades, guardrail improvements, signs and pavement markings on M-40 at 24th Avenue. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 20 jobs.
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County: |
Van Buren |
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Highway: |
M-40 |
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Closest city: |
Gobles |
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Start date: |
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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Estimated end date: |
Friday, September 26, 2025 |
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Traffic restrictions: |
M-40 and 24th Avenue will be closed during construction. M-40 traffic will be detoured on M-43, County Road 653 and County Road 388. 24th Avenue will be detoured on 36th Street. |
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Safety benefit: |
The new culvert will last 50-100 years, helping with Brandywine Lake levels and environmental stability. |
M-28 Bridge Deck Replacement in Alger County
MDOT is investing about $1.1 million to rebuild the M-28 bridge over Prairie Creek in Alger County. Work includes deck replacement, concrete curb and gutter, bridge approach, guardrail work and pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 10 jobs.
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County: |
Alger |
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Highway: |
M-28 |
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Closest city: |
Shingleton |
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Start date: |
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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Estimated end date: |
Friday, September 19, 2025 |
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Traffic restrictions: |
M-28 will be reduced to one lane via temporary concrete barrier wall. One lane of alternating traffic will be open at all timesusing temporary traffic signals. An advisory 35 mph speed limit and an 11-foot lane width restriction will be in effect during the project. |
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Safety benefit: |
This work will extend the lifespan of the structure and increase safety for motorists. |
M-43 Culvert Replacement in Barry County
MDOT, in partnership with the Barry County Drain Commission, is investing $1.5 million to remove and replace the Watson Drain culvert under M-43 and Sprague Road just south of Delton. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 14 jobs.
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County: |
Barry |
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Highway: |
M-43 |
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Closest city: |
Delton |
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Start date: |
Monday, June 16, 2025 |
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Estimated end date: |
August 2025 |
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Traffic restrictions: |
M-43 will be closed with through-traffic detoured onto Milo, Norris and Delton roads. Access to businesses will be maintained at all times. |
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Safety benefit: |
This project will improve drainage and extend the service life of the roadway and culvert. |
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