Gordie Howe Bridge team continues to invest in communities

by orionontv | Feb 15, 2024 | Transportation

Gordie Howe International Bridge team continues to invest in communities This week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features conversations with two people who participated in a Feb. 6 announcement by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) of an additional $2.6 million being invested in 13 community projects as part of construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB). Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/14512005-gordie-howe-international-bridge-team-continues-to-invest-in-communities First, Heather Grondin, vice president of corporate affairs and external relations for WDBA, talks about the community benefits program and why it’s so important. The projects include cycling infrastructure added to Jefferson Avenue and Clark Street, making for a connection between the GHIB multiuse path and the City of Detroit’s Joe Louis Greenway. Later, Mohammed Alghurabi, a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) senior project manager on the bridge project, talks about what it means to him to be able to demonstrate to residents that Canada and Michigan are delivering on promises to the community. Projects announced for funding: $250,000 toward local history and culture, $1.3 million toward community safety, $540,000 toward green initiatives, $250,000 toward food security, $250,000 toward wellness, and $100,000 toward community partnerships.

Northbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 to Oakland/Genesee

by orionontv | Feb 6, 2024 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

February 6, 2024                                                                     Diane Cross

                                                                  [email protected]

 Northbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to Oakland/Genesee county line begins in early March

VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON, Mich. ­– Bridge and road work along I-75 in northern Oakland County is expected to resume in early March. The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $160 million to resurface and repair I-75 from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to the Oakland/Genesee county line. This project includes resurfacing I-75, repairing 11 bridges, drainage improvements, culvert replacements, signs, and guardrail. Various work will be performed in different locations with different schedules throughout the 15 miles over four years.

This year, northbound I-75 will be milled and resurfaced from M-15 to the county line, with two lanes of northbound and southbound traffic sharing the southbound side of the freeway. Bridge repairs will be performed throughout the project limits along northbound I-75. Work is expected to be completed for the year in late fall.

In 2025, milling and resurfacing will occur on southbound I-75 from the county line to M-15, with traffic sharing the northbound side. Then in 2026, crews will remove the temporary crossovers and perform the remaining miscellaneous activity.

Funding for this project is made possible by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,936 jobs.

State asking citizens how to fund transportation

by orionontv | Feb 5, 2024 | Transportation

Why the state is asking citizens how to fund transportation On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation about the road usage charge (RUC) survey conducted to gauge citizen’s thoughts on funding transportation infrastructure. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/14427300-why-the-state-is-asking-citizens-how-to-fund-transportation Jean Ruestman, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Office of Passenger Transportation, explains how the department sought and won a federal grant to fund the survey and why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is incentivizing states to gather the information. Some key takeaways: The survey is a research project and not about setting policy regarding the implementation of an RUC. This statewide survey is the first step in exploring how RUC, if implemented, might affect people’s modal choices (taking transit, selecting alternative less congested routes, traveling at different times of the day) and in exploring new ways to sustainably and fairly fund and maintain public transit systems, roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure in Michigan. One possible funding tool is RUC, or paying based on vehicle miles traveled, which means drivers would pay a few cents for each mile driven versus paying based on how much gas they buy. The Legislature adopted legislation in 2022 requiring MDOT to study tolling as an additional or alternative funding method. The Legislature later requested that the department examine RUC. Gov. Whitmer’s Growing Michigan Together Council recommended lawmakers examine alternative funding sources for Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. No policy changes like this are being debated by the Legislature at this time. Many other states are exploring RUC, with some already having implemented similar systems (Utah, Oregon, Virginia, and Hawaii). Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205. Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

MDOT launches road usage charges survey

by orionontv | Jan 30, 2024 | Transportation

MDOT launches road usage charges survey
to gauge public interest 

Fast facts:
– MDOT is launching a road usage charges survey at www.Michigan.gov/MIRoadCharge.
– The survey will give the public the opportunity to weigh in on possible new ways to sustainably and fairly fund and maintain the state transportation system.
– Respondents will receive a $10 gift card for their participation.

LANSING, Mich. – Starting Jan. 30 through March 1, Michigan residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the way we all pay for roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure in the state through a new road usage charges survey. Each respondent will receive a $10 gift card for their participation. To participate, go to www.Michigan.gov/MIRoadCharge.

The survey, being conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in partnership with Via Transportation, Inc. (Via) through funding provided through a federal grant, seeks to understand Michiganders’ attitudes toward potential replacements for the state gas tax. While no changes like this are being debated by the Legislature at this time, the statewide survey is the first step in exploring new ways to sustainably and fairly fund and maintain public transit systems, roads, bridges, and other crucial transportation infrastructure in Michigan.

One possible funding tool is road usage charges, which means drivers would pay a few cents for each mile driven versus paying based on how much gas they buy. Charging based on miles driven could make the system fairer for drivers who cannot afford newer, more fuel-efficient cars, while also ensuring that the state continues to have the resources needed to maintain roads in the future as vehicles become more fuel efficient or rely on alternative fuels.

Eligibility:
Respondents must be a Michigan resident aged 18 or older and can take the survey only once. Qualifying survey participants will be invited to participate in a pilot demonstration this fall to help us understand how road usage charges could work in Michigan. If interested, please let us know when completing the survey. By participating in the pilot demonstration, you could be eligible for additional incentives ranging from $75 to $500.

Participants should allow up to two weeks to receive a gift card. Gift cards will arrive by e-mail from [email protected] with the subject “Michigan Department of Transportation sent you a gift card.” If a participant is having issues with the survey, please e-mail [email protected] using the e-mail address that was provided when completing the survey.

Accessibility:
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Participants who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or [email protected]. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage. Requests will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible.

About Via Transportation:
Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems. Via works to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, providing technology in 600 communities and more than 35 countries and counting. Via is supporting MDOT in both survey implementation and pilot technology deployment to explore road usage charging in the state of Michigan.

MDOT supports $700 million Rebuilding program

by orionontv | Jan 25, 2024 | Transportation

MDOT supports Gov. Whitmer for authorizing the final
$700 million of the Rebuilding Michigan program

Fast facts:

• Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program continues to rebuild the state highways and bridges (I, M and US routes) that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic.
• The program will see $700 million more in investments this year to continue work on existing projects.
• A total of $3.5 billion in bonds to finance road construction projects was authorized by the State Transportation Commission between 2020 and 2024.

 LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials are pleased Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to continue the successful Rebuilding Michigan program with $700 million more in investments in some of our state’s busiest roads and bridges, which she announced during the 2024 State of the State Address. 

“Since my first day in office, we’ve gotten to work moving dirt and pouring concrete to fix our damn roads and bridges, but there’s always more work to do until we get the job done right,” said Gov. Whitmer. “That’s why I’m adding another $700 million to road work this year through the Rebuilding Michigan program. To date, we’ve fixed 20,000 lane miles and 1,400 bridges, supporting over 45,000 jobs without raising taxes. This last phase includes key projects like I-94 near Detroit Metro Airport, I-696 from Southfield through Warren, and an important bridge in Erie Township. I’m proud of our progress, yet mindful of the work ahead to ensure Michigan’s infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents.”

“MDOT supports Gov. Whitmer’s promise to fix Michigan’s roads and bridges long-term through the Rebuilding Michigan program,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “MDOT stands ready to get the job done safely and efficiently. I appreciate the governor has shown the utmost confidence in our men and women at MDOT in asking for this increased investment to deliver these important projects.”

The program’s goal is to rebuild the state highways and bridges (I, M and US routes) that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure. While the $700 million is not slated to go toward any new projects or any specific projects at this time, it can be used to complete existing projects across the state.  

Here is a sample list of Rebuilding Michigan program projects expected to resume or start this year:

• I-475 in Genessee County from Bristol Road to Thread Creek and from the Flint River to Carpenter Road.
• I-96 in Oakland County from Kent Lake Road to Novi Road, which includes adding flex lanes.
• I-696 in Oakland County from I-275 to Dequindre Road.
• US-127 in Ingham County from I-96 to just north of the I-496 interchange. Eleven bridges also will be replaced along this route.
• I-96 in Ionia County from Bliss Road to Sunfield Road.
• I-75 in Monroe County from Erie Road to Otter Creek Road.

Last year, MDOT made great strides in repairing Michigan’s infrastructure and bringing new innovations to the forefront as highlighted in this video. MDOT thanks Gov. Whitmer for her commitment to help pave the way for a safer, more connected Michigan.

More project information is available on the MDOT website. See the governor’s 2024 State of the State Address online and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MISOTS2024.

Gearing up for a bomb cyclone on the Lake Michigan shore

by orionontv | Jan 11, 2024 | Transportation

Gearing up for a bomb cyclone on the Lake Michigan shore On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, MDOT’s coordinator for snow plowing and other maintenance on state routes in four west Michigan counties talks about preparations for heavy snow in the forecast for this weekend. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/14287596-gearing-up-for-a-bomb-cyclone-on-the-lake-michigan-shore Kurt Fritz, who coordinates maintenance on state trunkline (I, M and US routes) in Mason, Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties, talks about his work with the local road agencies that maintain those routes under contract with MDOT. Nationally, forecasters are using the term “bomb cyclone” blizzard for what’s headed for the Midwest.  Reports earlier this week said the massive storm hit more than 30 states with snow, ice, rain, or thunderstorms and encompassed more than 2 million square miles.