by orionontv | Mar 7, 2025 | Transportation
MDOT and Michigan Fitness Foundation remind drivers to be alert as clocks “spring forward” on Sunday
LANSING, Mich. – As clocks “spring forward” to daylight saving time at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) remind drivers to watch out for pedestrians, runners and bicyclists always, but especially in low light conditions. Sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning. Drivers also should allow a minimum 3-foot distance when passing a bicyclist, according to state law.
“Safety on our roads is a shared responsibility regardless of how you are getting around,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “Whether moving about by walking, rolling or driving a motor vehicle, it is essential everyone remain alert and avoid distractions to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Drivers are reminded that Michigan’s distracted driving law makes it illegal to manually use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while operating a vehicle. Under the law, a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms or shoulders. Road users need to be alert and eliminate distractions. Also, people travelling on foot or rolling are encouraged to wear brighter colored clothing with reflective material to enhance visibility.”
Drivers are reminded that bicyclists are permitted to ride on most roadways in Michigan, unless otherwise posted. As legal roadway users, bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
Working with schools and communities across the state, MFF Safe Routes to School program staff provide best practices that help communities identify and overcome safety barriers that make it safe for children to commute safely to and from school.
“Through our Safe Routes to School partnership with MDOT, we work with communities to create safe environments for children who walk, bike and roll to school,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “As we all adjust to the upcoming time change, it is important to remind ourselves to stay alert on the roadways to keep children safe.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians and 1,105 pedalcyclists (bicyclists and riders of two-wheel, nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles and unicycles powered solely by pedals) died in traffic crashes in 2022. In Michigan, 2,224 pedestrians were involved in crashes, resulting in 183 killed and 1,743 injured, according to the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF) for 2023. Bicycle crashes accounted for 24 killed and 1,126 injured in the same MTCF 2023 report. Most pedestrian fatalities (76 percent) and pedalcyclist fatalities (50 percent) occur during dark conditions between 5 and 9 p.m.
MDOT continues to work with partners statewide on the Toward Zero Deaths safety campaign based on the National Strategy on Highway Safety, which is intended to influence driver behavior and improve safety. For more information on the Toward Zero Deaths campaign, visit www.Michigan.gov/ZeroDeaths.
###
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.
by orionontv | Mar 6, 2025 | Transportation
Evidence mounts that distracted driving laws make a difference
On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, an update from Ryan McMahon of Cambridge Mobile Telematics, a Massachusetts-based firm that tracks data from drivers, participating voluntarily with their insurance carriers, to analyze statistics and driver behavior.
 McMahon spoke on the podcast previously, including a few months after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the law making it illegal to use a hand-held electronic device while driving.
His analysis includes data on distracted driving in Michigan broken down by county. His firm is reporting updated numbers that show meaningful strides in the right direction.
McMahon also cites preliminary data showing a reduction in crashes in Michigan in 2024.
Michigan phone motion by county showing above and below Michigan averages.
Hand-held phone calls chart showing Michigan vs. the United States. The chart shows the average minutes of hand-held calls per hour of driving.
Phone motion showing Michigan vs. the United States. The chart shows the average minutes of hand-held calls per hour of driving.
|
|
by orionontv | Feb 28, 2025 | Transportation
The vital role of transportation in Detroit’s resurgence
On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Sam Krassenstein, chief of infrastructure and Department of Public Works deputy director, for the City of Detroit.
 Krassenstein talks about many things, including the challenges of right-sizing streets built to accommodate more vehicles in an era before freeways were built, how safe mobility and accessibility play into the recovery of the city’s neighborhoods, and the innovative thinking going into the I-375 and US-12 (Michigan Avenue) projects.
 Last May, Sen. Gary Peters invited Krassenstein to testify before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports on the subject of community solutions to the roadway safety crisis.
Krassenstein explains why this is so important as part of those efforts to right-size some streets and make for safer crossings. |
|
|
by orionontv | Feb 25, 2025 | Transportation
MDOT announces award winners for
outstanding achievements in Michigan aviation
LANSING, Mich. – At the 2025 Michigan Airport Conference held in Lansing Feb. 19-20, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the award winners for achievements in promoting and improving aviation in the state. These awards are presented to airports and consultants who have been nominated by MDOT Office of Aeronautics staff and airport community members.
“Congratulations to all the award recipients who make a positive impact on Michigan aviation,” said Bryan Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director. “The hard work and dedication these airports and individuals have made are truly commendable in making airports safe, connecting people, recruiting new talent and growing the economy.”
The 2025 award winners are:
- General Aviation Airport of the Year Award The Sandusky City Airport was selected for their dedication to protecting the health of Michigan’s aviation system. Airport Manager Don Johnston and the entire airport staff were commended for their diligence in maintaining safety standards at the highest level and for taking a proactive approach in obstruction removal. Their dedication and partnership with MDOT and their community are both recognized and appreciated in maintaining Michigan’s general aviation system at the highest level.
- Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City was selected in recognition of sustained excellence and partnership toward aviation progress in the state of Michigan. The airport’s leadership and staff are commended for their efforts in creating a new zoning ordinance to ensure the safety of the aviating public. Cherry Capital Airport also is recognized for its leadership in air service recruitment and retention in the state, which continues to build on the excellent service provided to the aviation community.
- Robert G. Peckham Consultant of the Year Award Brian Merk, P.E., of Prein & Newhof was given the Consultant of the Year award for providing engineering services to support aviation progress in Michigan. His efforts resulted in the successful completion of airport development projects at airports across the state. He is recognized for his dedication to safety and efficiency of Michigan’s aviation system.
“This award is a testament to the hard-working, dedicated staff at TVC, and passenger support,” said Kevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport. “When a community is dedicated to flying locally, the entire region benefits enormously. I’m incredibly proud of Team TVC and our community.”
MDOT annually recognizes airports, individuals and organizations whose innovative contributions have led to significant improvements to facilities, operations or public relations that support aviation in Michigan. MDOT congratulates all the winners and appreciates their contributions to improving Michigan aviation.
###
MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for
Michigan’s transportation systems.
General Aviation Airport of the Year Award: Linn Smith (left), MDOT Office of Aeronautics deputy director, and Sandusky City Airport Manager Don Johnston
© 2025 MDOT Photography Unit
Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award: Back row (left to right): Autumn MacClaren, director of Air Service Development and Marketing; Wayne Schmidt, board member; Steve Plamondon, board chair; Bob Nelesen, airport engineer; Kevin Klein, chief executive officer; Brian Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director; and Dan Saal, chief operating officer.
Front row (left to right): Chris Sieklucki, operations manager; Karrie Zeits, general counsel and property manager; and Mark Bishop, chief financial officer.
© 2025 MDOT Photography Unit
Robert G. Peckham Consultant of the Year Award: Elyse Lower (left), MDOT Office of Aeronautics Project Management Unit supervisor, and Brian Merk, P.E.
by orionontv | Feb 20, 2025 | Transportation
Michigan airports to receive $4 million in grants
for airport improvement projects
Fast facts:
- $4 million in one-time airport development grants have been awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects.
- Funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
- MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 airport development grants to be awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people and families.”
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
“This important State/Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state,” MAC Chair Ben Carter said.
“Hillsdale Municipal Airport is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the FY 2025 State/Local Program funding,” said Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore. “We received funding to purchase a much-needed John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes. The airport also received funding for crack sealing and pavement markings. Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license.”
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.for airport improvement projects
Fast facts:
- $4 million in one-time airport development grants have been awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects.
- Funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
- MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 airport development grants to be awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people and families.”
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
“This important State/Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state,” MAC Chair Ben Carter said.
“Hillsdale Municipal Airport is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the FY 2025 State/Local Program funding,” said Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore. “We received funding to purchase a much-needed John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes. The airport also received funding for crack sealing and pavement markings. Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license.”
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
by orionontv | Feb 20, 2025 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
February 20, 2025 Diane Cross
CrossD@Michigan.gov
Southbound 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, southbound I-75 will be milled and resurfaced from M-15 to the county line, with two lanes of northbound and southbound traffic sharing the northbound side of the freeway. Bridge repairs will be performed throughout the project limits along southbound I-75. Work is expected to be completed for the year in late fall.
In 2026, crews will remove the temporary crossovers and perform remaining miscellaneous activities.
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.
