Orange Barrels Will Be Moved to Ease Weekend Travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Orange Barrels Will Be Moved and Lanes Reopened to Ease Labor Day Weekend Travel
LANSING, Mich. — This Labor Day weekend, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is moving orange barrels to the side of the road and removing lane restrictions on 56 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays and increase safety for holiday travelers.
“Labor Day weekend is a time to soak up the last few days of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine,” said Governor Whitmer. “To ensure Michiganders can get to their destinations safely and on time, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions wherever we can. But next Tuesday, you better believe that we will be right back to fixing the damn roads. Since I took office, Michigan has fixed nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges, supporting over 118,000 jobs. I hope you all have a great, safe weekend!”
Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 93 out of 166 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.
Travelers are also reminded that, for safety and security, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk. Southbound I-75 and US-2 traffic will be stopped at Exit 344 on the north side of the bridge; northbound I-75 traffic will be stopped at Exit 337 on the south end. For more information, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk or call the MBA at 906-643-7600.
“Another summer of significant investment in our roads and bridges is drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean the work is finished for the year,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Projects will continue on past the Labor Day holiday through the fall, including those projects made possible thanks to Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program. We ask all drivers to keep driving safely through work zones and follow all posted signs for their safety, their family’s safety, and for road workers’ safety. Slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones. Everyone deserves to make it home each and every night.”
Drivers are also reminded that Michigan recently became the 26th state to establish hands-free driving laws. These new laws took effect June 30. More information is available on the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning website.
MDOT oversees I, M, and US routes and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, which carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and approximately 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan.
The following is a list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions during Labor Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location. All closures are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the Mi Drive website at www.Michigan.gov/Drive.
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Holiday travel plans include crossing the Mackinac Bridge? Remember that the Mackinac Bridge Authority will close the bridge Monday, Sept. 4, from 6:30 a.m. to noon for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
A friendly reminder to off-road vehicle operators not just this holiday weekend but into the colder season, too: Ride Right to ensure you ride home safely to family and friends.
When it comes to trails, there’s no place like home. Michigan offers more than 13,000 miles of designated state-managed trails, plus thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails and pathways.
If your plans include swimming at state parks, especially along the Great Lakes, be sure to brush up on beach safety before anyone goes in or near the water.
Buoys and markers typically are installed before the Memorial Day holiday weekend and come down after Labor Day. After swim buoys are removed, that stretch of beach is no longer a designated swim area, and swimmers should use the same caution entering the water as they would any other nondesignated swim beach along the Great Lakes.
Horseback riders and fat-tire bikers can explore one of Michigan’s most unique and popular destinations – Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County – with shoreline horseback riding and fat-tire biking this fall and winter.
“Just as ORV season ends Oct. 31, Silver Lake’s ORV area begins opening up to nonmotorized uses as part of two distinct seasons,” said Jody Johnston, Silver Lake State Park manager. “It’s an incredible opportunity for both equestrians and bicyclists to ride the sandy shoreline and catch spectacular views of Lake Michigan.”
End the summer boating season in safe style by wearing your life jacket! It might just nab youth boaters McDonald’s vouchers for ice cream and apple slices, but this is the last weekend Michigan conservation officers are handing out the vouchers.
No matter how you spend the long weekend, please remember that you have a big impact on where and how invasive species spread – or don’t – to our land and water.
