FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2024

Contact: press@michigan.gov

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 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.

“Labor Day weekend is reminder that it’s time to soak up the last few weeks of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine,” said Governor Whitmer. “During this busy travel week, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions wherever we can so you can get where you need to go safely and smoothly. 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 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 bridges, supporting more than 100,000 jobs. Drive safe!”

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 96 out of 161 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.

“It’s been a very productive construction season so far at MDOT, with a record amount of work made possible by increased federal infrastructure investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program. We thank everyone for their patience while these much-needed projects have been performed” said State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich. “With the end of summer, many folks will be taking this opportunity for one last road trip, so we’ve pulled back the barrels as much as we can for the holiday weekend. However, we can’t do it for every project, so please drive safely through all work zones you may encounter. We thank drivers for continuing to show patience behind the wheel and following all posted speed limits in work zones. Let’s keep it up so everyone, including drivers, their passengers and road workers, all make it home each and every night.”

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.