Why the road building industry is focusing on mental health

by orionontv | Nov 15, 2024 | Transportation

Why the road building industry is focusing on mental health

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about mental health challenges for people who build and maintain roads and bridges.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/16106013-why-the-road-building-industry-is-focusing-on-mental-health

Gregg Brunner, chief engineer and chief operations officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation, spoke about the issue last month on a panel convened by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

As someone who has spent a career focusing on the safety of the transportation system and work zones, Brunner said his interest in making improvements was piqued as he pored through crash reports and visited the scenes. He learned of the toll crashes, especially where road work is occurring, takes on the workers.

Members of the panel shared some chilling statistics, including:

Overall, suicides in the U.S. increased to 49,300 in 2023, up from 48,183 since just 2021. In the construction industry, 5,000 workers died by suicide in 2022, which climbed to 7,000 by 2023. By contrast, the industry loses an estimated 1,000 annually to construction site incidents.
In Michigan, a construction worker is now 12 times more likely to die by suicide rather than due to an on-the-job injury.
There is a 75 percent remission rate for mental health and even substance abuse issues if one stays engaged six months to a year in a treatment plan.

Also discussed: The Michigan Senate recently adopted legislation to allow the use of safety cameras in work zones to monitor vehicle speeds and initiate citations for those exceeding work zone speed limits. On a previous episode of the podcast, Juan Pava, Safety Programs Unit chief of the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering at the Illinois Department of Transportation, talked about the success of a similar program there.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about mental health challenges for people who build and maintain roads and bridges.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/16106013-why-the-road-building-industry-is-focusing-on-mental-health

Gregg Brunner, chief engineer and chief operations officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation, spoke about the issue last month on a panel convened by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

As someone who has spent a career focusing on the safety of the transportation system and work zones, Brunner said his interest in making improvements was piqued as he pored through crash reports and visited the scenes. He learned of the toll crashes, especially where road work is occurring, takes on the workers.

Members of the panel shared some chilling statistics, including:

Overall, suicides in the U.S. increased to 49,300 in 2023, up from 48,183 since just 2021. In the construction industry, 5,000 workers died by suicide in 2022, which climbed to 7,000 by 2023. By contrast, the industry loses an estimated 1,000 annually to construction site incidents.
In Michigan, a construction worker is now 12 times more likely to die by suicide rather than due to an on-the-job injury.
There is a 75 percent remission rate for mental health and even substance abuse issues if one stays engaged six months to a year in a treatment plan.

Also discussed: The Michigan Senate recently adopted legislation to allow the use of safety cameras in work zones to monitor vehicle speeds and initiate citations for those exceeding work zone speed limits. On a previous episode of the podcast, Juan Pava, Safety Programs Unit chief of the Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering at the Illinois Department of Transportation, talked about the success of a similar program there.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

Mackinac Bridge Authority approves credit card fees

by orionontv | Nov 11, 2024 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected]

Mackinac Bridge Authority approves credit card convenience fees, lower deposit limits for MacPass

Fast facts:

Citing credit card transaction fees the Mackinac Bridge Authority pays, the Authority approved a new 2.3 percent convenience fee to recoup some of those costs beginning Jan. 1.
The Authority approved lowering initial MacPass deposits from $80 to $40, and refill deposits from $50 to $20.
The Authority also voted to discontinue acceptance of American Express credit cards, noting their higher average transaction costs.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Recognizing the increased costs for credit and debit card transaction fees, the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today approved collecting a 2.3 percent convenience fee for tolls paid by credit cards to recoup some of those expenses.

Authority members cited the rising costs of transaction fees from credit card companies, which totaled $341,761.51 in 2024, as the reason for the new convenience fees. The current average credit card fees for tolls paid is 3.07 percent; roughly 12-13 percent of all tolls are paid by credit card.

“Though this convenience fee will not cover all credit card processing costs, it will help defray those costs in a way that will allow us to continue directing most of our toll revenues to the neverending job of maintaining and operating the Mackinac Bridge,” said Authority Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason.

The convenience fee will add roughly $0.09 for the typical $4 toll for passenger vehicles. The new fee would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Customers who pay in the toll lanes can avoid the credit card fees by paying cash. MacPass holders can make deposits with cash or electronic checks to avoid the fees.

To make it easier for customers to open and refill their MacPass commuter toll program accounts, the Authority also reduced the initial account minimum deposit from $80 to $40, and refill deposit minimums from $50 to $20. Those changes are expected to take effect Dec. 1, or as soon as possible.

Noting the relatively higher credit card processing fees for American Express, currently at 4.79 percent, the Authority also approved discontinuing acceptance of those credit cards for payment beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The MBA took action today at its meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. A recording of the meeting is available to view on YouTube.

Blue Water Bridge traffic shift planned for Oct. 23

by orionontv | Oct 22, 2024 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT
Jocelyn Garza
989-245-7117
[email protected]

Blue Water Bridge traffic shift planned for Oct. 23, additional work to continue through November

Fast facts:

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be shifting eastbound traffic back to the eastbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) span on Oct. 23.
Following this shift, wide loads up to 15 feet will be accommodated on eastbound BWB.
Following this traffic shift, crews will continue painting, requiring intermittent lane closures and shifts through the end of November.

PORT HURON, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be shifting eastbound traffic back to the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) on Oct. 23, weather permitting, following the majority of the critical maintenance work started in May. After the traffic shift, the BWB will be able to accommodate wide loads up to 15 feet, along with superloads on an at-need basis.

Crews will continue additional painting on the approach span through the end of November, requiring intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts. The Pine Grove Avenue ramp to the toll plaza will remain closed during peak hours (Wednesday – Saturday) through the end of October.

This project, managed by MDOT, addressed required maintenance on the eastbound BWB span connecting Port Huron, Michigan, and Point Edward, Ontario. During work, the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) also addressed additional repairs on the eastbound span, working closely with MDOT to coordinate work and closures, reducing continual impact on commuters.

The BWB is an essential economic link between Canada and the United States. This important project continues the commitment between MDOT and FBCL to maintain and preserve the safety and reliability of the BWB.

For more information:
Dave Smith
MDOT BWB
810-434-3274
[email protected]

Jocelyn Garza
MDOT Office of Communications
989-245-7117
[email protected]

Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project

by orionontv | Oct 18, 2024 | Transportation

Students unveil creative artwork in MDOT’s Paint the Plow project to promote winter and road safety

LANSING, Mich. – Students from several schools throughout Michigan unveiled their vibrant artwork as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. This initiative allows students to paint snowplow blades with designs that promote safe driving behavior and create awareness for the plow operators who work to keep Michigan’s roads free from snow and ice during the harsh winter months.

The creative and original decorated plow blades feature this year’s safety message, “Go hands-free. Just drive. It’s the law.” This year’s theme reminds road users that it is illegal to hold and use an electronic device while driving in Michigan. Each design not only highlights the artistic talents of Michigan students but also serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and Michigan’s goal of zero deaths on our roads.

“Seeing the creativity and passion of our students is inspiring,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “The Paint the Plow project is a fun and engaging way to encourage students to think about these important safety messages, while also allowing them to contribute to their community in a unique way.”

Participating schools include:

Bay Region’s Heritage High School designed Blade of Glory.
Grand Region’s Caledonia High School designed Snows Buddies Business.
Superior Region’s Newberry High School designed Ice Force One.
University Region’s Western High School designed Bob.

The painted plows will be visible along various state trunklines in Michigan through the winter, serving as both functional maintenance vehicles and striking reminders of the importance of safe driving practices. Beginning in late autumn, MDOT snowplow names and locations will be accessible on Mi Drive, the department’s construction and traffic information website. Mi Drive also allows motorists to view traffic cameras and speeds, locate incidents, and search for construction projects throughout Michigan. To locate MDOT plows in action, select the plow layer on Mi Drive. A list of complete snowplow names is available on the MDOT website. Paint the Plow applications and theme for the 2025-26 season will be available beginning in March 2025. Applications require a draft of the intended design and commitment from the school to complete the plow blade before the winter season. Applications are open to all Michigan high schools.

To help motorists prepare for the upcoming winter season, MDOT encourages all Michigan drivers to heed essential winter driving safety tips:

Adjust your speed: Always drive for conditions. Snowy and icy conditions may mean slower speeds and an increase in following distances to allow for safe stopping.
Stay alert: Always check the weather forecast and Mi Drive (Michigan.gov/Drive) before traveling.
Prepare your vehicle: Keep your vehicle well maintained and stock it with supplies like an emergency kit and necessary fluids. Check out the Michigan State Police’s Winter Driving page for more tips.
Respect snowplows: Give snowplows room to work safely. Michigan law now requires individuals to keep at least a 200-foot distance between their vehicle and a snowplow.

Together, let’s make this winter safe and enjoyable for everyone on Michigan’s roads.

Heritage High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Caledonia High School senior art student, Josie D. Burns, proudly unveiled the school’s creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Newberry High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

Western High School art students proudly unveiled their creative design for MDOT’s 2024-2025 Paint the Plow program.

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Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident, they are preventable. Please use “crash” instead of “accident” when reporting. Learn more at www.Michigan.gov/CrashNotAccident.

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

by orionontv | Oct 18, 2024 | Transportation

How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Ryan Mitchell, marking the one-year anniversary of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Major Projects.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/15948043-how-mdot-s-major-projects-office-gets-things-done

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) categorizes major projects as those with a price tag of $500 million or more.

Mitchell helped establish and refine the alternative delivery and critical project delivery programs of numerous U.S. transportation agencies, including the state transportation departments of Nevada, Texas, Alaska, and now Michigan. In our conversation, he explains the various types of alternative delivery of projects and the benefits.

Herculean effort results in a new bridge

by orionontv | Oct 9, 2024 | Transportation

Herculean effort results in a new bridge after historic mid-Michigan flooding

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about the extraordinary efforts that culminated with the opening of a new and improved bridge near Edenville.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/episodes/15896337-herculean-effort-results-in-a-new-bridge-after-historic-mid-michigan-flooding

Jack Hofweber, manager of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Mt. Pleasant Transportation Service Center, reflects on the heavy rains and floods that breached dams and ravaged roads and bridges in several counties in 2020, just weeks after many people went into lockdown because of the pandemic.

In what meteorologists concluded was a 500-year event, the flooding that resulted from up to 7 inches of rain in Midland, Saginaw and surrounding counties damaged homes and property, forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate and most spectacularly destroyed one power dam and severely damaged another.

One year after the floods, an MLive drone video captured the changes.

On Monday, Oct. 7, MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich, elected officials, contractors and labor groups celebrated the opening of the new bridge, as highlighted in this video.

With climate change and sustained high water creating headaches for shoreline communities across the state and officials from several state agencies planning for more, the challenge of planning and building more resilient transportation infrastructure, especially during an ongoing period of underinvestment, remains acute.