Study: Flashing LED lights can reduce crashes on curves

by orionontv | Dec 4, 2025 | Transportation

Study: Flashing LED lights can reduce crashes on curves Dec. 4, 2025 On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about a new study that confirms that flashing LED lights, used strategically, can improve safety on curves. The study is part of a larger project looking for effective speed warning technologies, said Timothy Gates, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Michigan State University, who talked about the findings on the podcast. The research is funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The state tallied 128,517 crashes on curved roadways during winter weather conditions between 2018 and 2022, causing 175 serious injuries and fatalities, plus 1,360 less serious and suspected injuries, the study said. The study concluded that curves on flat roads (called horizontal curves by highway engineers) “present a major challenge to drivers, especially when there is a significant difference between the posted speed limit and the curve advisory speed.”

MDOT commits $11 million for road safety improvements

by orionontv | Nov 20, 2025 | Transportation

MDOT commits $11 million to local agencies
for vulnerable road user safety improvements
 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the commitment of $11 million in federal funds for nine Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants. At this stage, MDOT is issuing Conditional Commitments reserving federal transportation funds designated by Congress for state-approved projects.

TAP is a competitive grant program that funds specific transportation projects, like separated pathways, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes and other facilities, that improve vulnerable road user safety. These enhancements provide safe alternative transportation options embodying the “mobility for everyone” concept.

“The TAP, including its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) category, truly delivers on MDOT’s strategic vision seeking original and innovative projects and investing in mobility options that improve Michiganders’ quality of life,” State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said. “TAP receives modest funding to address large-scale public health and safety concerns, enhance local and regional economic development and provide citizens with alternative mobility options.”

The following nine approved projects received Conditional Commitments:

Recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a best practice, MDOT’s management of TAP and its projects meet stringent federal and MDOT design standards, requiring extensive teamwork. MDOT partners with a variety of agencies to include county road commissions, cities, villages, etc. to facilitate grant application and project implementation. MDOT reserves the funds being committed today subject to applicants meeting certain requirements for implementation. Awards are given when all the conditions have been met.

“Receiving this grant is a tremendous win for our community and we’re absolutely thrilled,” said Tawas City Mayor Jackie Masich. “Rebuilding and widening the existing bike path will meet the requirements of the Iron Belle Trail and will better help connect neighbors, promote healthier living and create a safer, more accessible way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.”

“The TAP grant is a truly exciting development for the City of East Tawas,” said East Tawas Mayor Bruce Bolen. “Replacing the existing deteriorated pathway will result in a wider, smoother, safer walking/biking pathway that will enable residents and visitors to better enjoy outdoor activities, while appreciating the scenic beauty of Tawas Bay.”

“With Tawas being awarded a grant to extend the bike path as a part of the Iron Belle Trail, I am excited to see how that transforms our community,” said Brian M. Pritchett, Tawas City resident, cyclist and advocate. “The stretch along US-23 provides some of the most scenic views in the state. This pathway is something that will enhance our community experience and support tourism for generations to come. I am excited to see the Tawas area be a part of the statewide initiative to develop a pathway from Belle Isle to Ironwood!”

Visit the TAP website to learn more about the three application cycles each year for Statewide TAP, the schedule, online application and instructions. Please contact Michael Smith, TAP manager, at 517-335-1069 or SmithM13@Michigan.gov, or refer to MDOT’s region contact map for further information.

###   Give plows space, it’s not a race.

Projects improve travel near Grand Rapids, Traverse City

by orionontv | Nov 19, 2025 | Transportation

Projects improve travel near Grand Rapids, Traverse City Nov. 19, 2025 In the second installment of podcasts focusing on significant road and bridge project completions by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), conversations about a new roundabout on busy routes near Traverse City and a new bridge over I-96 in Walker. In October, City of Walker officials joined MDOT engineers and lawmakers to celebrate completion of a $30 million Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96. First, Jeff Shaw, supervisor of Elmwood Township in Leelanau County, talks about what the roundabout means for traffic flow in the area, safety benefits and the connections for pedestrians and cyclists. “Now we’re able to take a look at the corridor and the improvements that have been made and know how much of a benefit this is going to be for the people that motor through here, that bike through here, that walk through here,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich at a celebration event on Oct. 31. Former U.S. Department of Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, a Traverse City resident, also attended the celebration. “I know folks grumble about roundabouts, but a well-placed roundabout can reduce injury crashes by 80 percent or more,” Buttigieg said of the new M-72/M-22 intersection, a centerpiece of the project. “I want to commend MDOT, the contractors and, above all, the workers who, in partnership with this community, made sure this was a success.” A new Traverse City roundabout means better traffic flow and more safety benefits and connections for pedestrians and cyclists. At another celebration in October, City of Walker officials joined MDOT engineers and lawmakers to celebrate completion of a $30 million Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96. The investment replaced the original bridge and interchange from 1961. Contractors widened the new bridge from two lanes to five and included non-motorized paths, linking heavily used trails on each side. Art Green, manager of MDOT’s Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center (TSC), joined the podcast to talk about the long-time needs for the improved bridge and interchange, how the funding came about and improvements already showing up in traffic flow. “Projects like this don’t happen overnight,” said City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey at the event. “They take vision, persistence, partnership, and a shared belief that our infrastructure is worth investing in.”

MDOT, communities celebrate conclusion of big projects

by orionontv | Nov 13, 2025 | Transportation

MDOT, communities celebrate conclusion of big projects On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, conversations about celebrations of major road and bridge projects completed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in communities across the state. Completed I-475 road work from Carpenter Rd. to the Flint River. This week, a focus on the expansion of the U.S. 131 interchange with the U.S. 131 Business Route that links the freeway with downtown Kalamazoo. Jill Bland, executive vice president at Southwest Michigan First, talks about her decades of advocacy for the project and what it will mean to businesses her organization supports, as well as commuters. Later, Trevor Block, manager of  MDOT’s Transportation Service Center (TSC) in Davison, talks about a celebration of another phase of rebuilding a segment of the I-475 corridor in Flint. This phase rebuilt approximately three miles of I-475 from the Flint River to Carpenter Road as part of a $141 million investment. Next week, the focus on project completions with conversations about a new bridge carrying Fruit Ridge Avenue over I-96 west of Grand Rapids and a roundabout replacing the traditional intersection of M-72 and M-22 just outside Traverse City.

Paint the Plow project designs

by orionontv | Nov 7, 2025 | Transportation

Michigan students promote winter and road safety with their imaginative and colorful Paint the Plow project designs

LANSING, Mich. – Students from schools and educational organizations across Michigan unveiled their inspiring and colorful artwork as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) annual Paint the Plow project. This initiative invites students to paint snowplow blades with designs that promote safe driving and raise awareness for snowplow operators who help keep Michigan’s roads clear during the harsh winter months.

This year’s designs feature the safety message, “Give plows space; it’s not a race.” The theme urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and give snowplows plenty of room to work safely. Each design showcases the artistic talents and hard work of Michigan students and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safe driving and the state’s commitment to achieving zero deaths on our roads.

“It’s great that the students are helping us get the word out on the importance of giving us room to work,” said MDOT Transportation Maintenance Worker, Adam Westendorf. “I think it’s good that they’re involved with getting these important safety messages out in a fun way.”

Westendorf has helped coordinate plow blade drop off and pick up for Bay Region the last two seasons and always looks forward to seeing the students creativity on display.

Participating schools and organizations include:

• Bay Region’s Heritage High School
• Bay Region’s Bay City Boys and Girls Club
• North Region’s Bear Lake High School

The painted plow blades 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 2026-27 season will be available beginning in March 2026. 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 middle and high schools, as well as educational organizations.

As winter approaches, MDOT reminds all Michigan drivers to stay safe by following these essential winter driving tips:

• Adjust your speed: Always drive for conditions. Snow and ice may require slower speeds and an increase in following distances to allow for safe stopping.
• Stay alert: Always check the weather forecast and Mi Drive (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.

Safe roads start with all of us! Drive smart, give plows space and let’s make this winter a safe one for Michigan.

Attention media:

For more information about the North Region project, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993.

For more information about the Bay Region projects, contact MDOT Bay Region Communications Representative Caitlyn French at 989-573-1274.

Heritage High School art students show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.

The Bay City Boys and Girls Club show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.

Bear Lake High School art students show off their artistic design
for MDOT’s 2025-2026 Paint the Plow program.

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Give plows space, it’s not a race.

Eastbound Blue Water Bridge toll increase begins Dec. 1

by orionontv | Oct 31, 2025 | Transportation

Planned eastbound Blue Water Bridge toll increase begins Dec. 1

Fast facts:
• Effective Dec. 1, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Blue Water Bridge (BWB) will increase toll rates by $1 for eastbound travel, to $5.
• Based off public feedback, rates were increased by $1 in 2024 with an additional $1 increase scheduled for 2025.
• This increase will help offset increased maintenance and operations costs.

PORT HURON, Mich. – Effective Dec. 1, the toll rate for crossing the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) in Port Huron will be $5.

This planned $1 increase will help offset increased maintenance and operations costs, in addition to construction improvements for the BWB plaza. This increase is the second in a planned, staggered increase that began in 2024. While not required, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) previously chose to engage the public and regular commuters before making a final decision regarding rate increases. Following an overwhelming response from a public survey, BWB administration implemented the first $1 rate increase on Dec. 1, 2024, with this next $1 increase beginning this Dec. 1. This overall rate increase follows 14 years of no changes to toll rates for commuter and commercial vehicles.

The following rates will be in place for all vehicles beginning Dec. 1.

Discounts remain available for commuter EDGE Pass holders. For more information on the EDGE Pass, available to commercial and commuter vehicles, please visit www.BlueWaterBridge.us/. Questions can be directed to MDOT-BWB-CustomerCare@Michigan.gov.