Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission approves
2023-2026 Michigan Strategic Highway Safety Plan

Fast facts:

• The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission approved the final 2023–2026 Michigan Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP).
• The SHSP incorporates the Safe System Approach (SSA), a human-centered, holistic approach that aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries.
• The SHSP also introduces equity to ensure an equitable investment in underserved communities and prioritizes safety for all road users.
• Michigan’s goal is zero road fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.

LANSING, Mich. ­– The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission recently approved the final version of the 2023-2026 Michigan Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The SHSP is a data-driven, four-year comprehensive plan that identifies key safety needs and guides investment decisions to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on Michigan roads. The plan allows highway safety programs across the state to work together in an effort to align and leverage resources, as well as address Michigan’s safety challenges.

The SHSP provides strategic direction to the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the Highway Safety Plan, as well as other statewide, metropolitan and regional plans, to ensure alignment of roadway safety and the prioritization of zero fatalities and serious injuries.

A new change to the SHSP is that it incorporates the Safe System Approach (SSA). This approach is different from the traditional way of addressing safety. It is based on six core principles: death/serious injury is unacceptable, humans make mistakes, humans are vulnerable, responsibility is shared, safety is proactive, and redundancy is crucial. The SSA shares the responsibility of a crash between five elements: safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads, and post-crash care. It requires all parts of the transportation system be strengthened, so that if one part fails, the other parts still protect people. It promotes shared responsibility between all stakeholders with the goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries.

“Implementing the Safe System Approach is a start, along with changing MDOT’s safety culture so that we practice what we ask of others,” said Acting State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich. “Last year, approximately 1,120 people lost their lives and 5,780 were seriously injured on Michigan roads. We all have a role in creating a safe transportation network and all road users, whether they walk, bike, ride or drive, deserve to arrive at their destinations safely.”

The SHSP also introduces equity in order to ensure an equitable investment in underserved communities. Equity will help prioritize safety for all road users, regardless of the mode of transportation, because everyone has the right to move safely in their communities. 

Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said strengthening the SHSP will help all roadway users.

“With traffic safety partners and programs utilizing the Safe System Approach, we will be able to improve our outcomes in keeping Michigan’s roadway users safe, especially the most vulnerable,” Bower said. “This approach is an impactful step as we work together on our shared goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.”

With the implementation of the SSA and introduction of equity, the SHSP will improve safety for all road users, regardless of their mode of transportation. These changes provide an opportunity to make a significant impact on eliminating road fatalities and serious injuries. Working together, local and state agencies across Michigan can achieve the safety goal of zero deaths.

State of Michigan announces Mobility Wallet Challenge
partners to improve equity and access to public transit

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) announce Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge awards under the mobility wallet pilot program, which aims to increase the interoperability of transit services and create greater access and equity to personal mobility for Michigan residents. These selections are Ecolane Inc., Feonix – Mobility Rising, and the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA).

The program’s goal is to simplify the transit payment process by allowing riders or third-party stakeholders to load funds and/or connect bank accounts to a single platform and create a streamlined mechanism for fare payment and collection, thereby increasing access to vital mobility services in Michigan. The Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge is a collaborative effort, including MDOT, OFME, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), and the Michigan Poverty Task Force (PTF).

“Michigan is on the forefront of innovations in developing new technologies for public transit users, Acting State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich said. “These mobility wallet solutions will help provide easy and equitable access to various transportation providers across the state.”

Ecolane LLC will develop a mobility wallet solution using their X4MaaS platform that enables transportation providers to integrate all their modes (fixed route, ADA, micro-transit, demand-response, rideshare, and bikeshare) into a single mobile app for a unified rider experience. The mobility wallet solution will integrate ZIG, a sensor technology developed by ZED Digital, which lets public transit users pay from their smart phone without removing the device from their pocket, or by using a smart card if they do not have a smart phone. The platform also includes carbon footprint information for the various transportation options. X4MaaS integrates with one of the first hands-free mobile wallet solutions to be introduced in the U.S. market, an internet of things-based sensor technology that is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A video demonstrates ADA compliant ticketing for ZIG Super Wallet technology. Awarded $888,800 for this project, Ecolane’s mobility wallet will be deployed to nine transit agencies in Michigan.

“We are honored to have been selected by the Michigan Department of Transportation for this opportunity to offer our mobility wallet to agencies across the state,” said Spiro Gjorgjievski, president of Ecolane. “Ecolane’s focus with the Mobility Wallet will be to ensure an integrated customer experience through our single mobility as a service platform X4MaaS, which unifies all mobility modes – including fixed route, ADA, paratransit, microtransit, scooters, bike rentals, and others – operated by an agency for trip planning, booking, and payment while empowering riders to achieve all of that through their mobile devices.”

Active in Michigan since 2018, Feonix – Mobility Rising is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mobility solutions for the health and well-being of every person in every community. The mobility wallet that Feonix will deploy will support Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, and surrounding areas. The initial focus will be on meeting the needs of veterans, with the project launch planned for Aug. 7, recognizing Purple Heart Day. In January 2024, Feonix will use the mobility wallet to fill transportation gaps for families and individuals experiencing poverty. Development partners of the mobility wallet technology and deployment include SkedGo, MoCaFi, Metro Strategies, Menlo Innovations, Sundberg Ferar, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Uber, and Token Transit.

Michigan community partners and transportation partners joining Feonix include: West Michigan Veterans Coalition, Disability Advocates of Kent County, Mobile GR-City of Grand Rapids, HOPE Network, Kent County Essential Needs Task Force, Metro Detroit Council – Navy League of United States, The Welcome Home Organization, Michigan Works Southeast, Region 2 Area Agency on Aging, Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), City of Hillsdale, Key Opportunities, Jackson County Military Coalition, The Rapid, Jackson Area Transportation Authority, Lenawee Public Transportation Authority, Ride Your Way, Care on Wheels, Superpedestrian, Lime, and Boaz Bikes. Feonix – Mobility Rising was awarded $1.5 million for this project.

“Feonix is honored by the opportunity to work alongside such incredible partners and advocates in urban and rural communities to break down critical transportation barriers in accessing healthcare, employment, and essential needs for Michigan veterans and individuals and families experiencing poverty,” said Valerie Lefler, executive director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Feonix – Mobility Rising. “The benefits of mobility to public health as well as the broader economy cannot be understated.”

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is responsible for developing a regional master transit plan, coordinating regional transit projects and programs, and distributing federal and state transit formula funds in the four-county region of Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The RTA in partnership with regional mobility providers, including the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit at Work, and Downtown Detroit Partnership developed a mobility wallet pilot and project development approach focused on the principles of universal basic mobility.

The pilot program will deliver an account-based mobility wallet that meets the five key functions established by ITS America. The mobility wallet will have the capability to access multiple transportation services, including DDOT, SMART, QLine, People Mover, MoGo, and at least one scooter company. In addition, the mobility wallet pilot will seek to test methods for deploying fare-capping across multiple providers and subsidy programs with a focus on equity and access for a largely cash-based transit rider population.

The unique element of this project is that the partners have decided to take a phased human-centered design approach to this challenge due to the diversity of mobility options that are being integrated, the existing fare technology involved, and the scale of the mobility equity issues for potential wallet users. The RTA was awarded $1 million for this project.

“The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is thrilled to receive a grant to be the lead agency coordinating efforts for the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge in our region. We look forward to collaborating with our partners from MDOT, MEDC, and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification on this project,” said Ben Stupka, interim general manager of the RTA. “This initiative will help transform the transit landscape in Southeast Michigan by using this innovative technology to simplify the transit payment process. We hope the knowledge gained during this pilot program can be used as a blueprint that can be replicated and introduced across the state. Creating a streamlined mechanism for fare payment is a significant step toward improving the transit experience for Michiganders.”

To learn more about how Michigan is leading in transportation mobility and electrification visit www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility. For more information about the Michigan Mobility Wallet Challenge, email mobilitywalletChallenge@michigan.gov.

Westbound Blue Water Bridge improvements will divert both bounds of traffic to eastbound bridge starting July 5

– The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) will complete maintenance on the westbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) from July 5 to Oct. 23.
– This work will close the westbound span of the BWB from Canada to the U.S.
– During this closure both directions of traffic will be maintained on the eastbound span of the BWB, from the U.S. to Canada.

PORT HURON, Mich. ­– Beginning July 5 the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) will close the westbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) to complete maintenance. This project will be managed by the FBCL, and address required maintenance on the westbound BWB span connecting Point Edward, Ontario and Port Huron, MI.

To reduce impacts to traffic, both bounds of the BWB will be carried on the eastbound BWB span. One lane will be reserved for westbound traffic entering the U.S. and two lanes will be available for eastbound traffic heading into Canada. While the eastbound BWB span carries bi-directional traffic, the following impacts to traffic will be in place:

• Dedicated lanes for commuter pass holders and buses cannot be accommodated.
• Wide loads will be restricted to less than 11 feet.

The Blue Water Bridge is an essential economic link between Canada and the United States. This important project continues the commitment between the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to maintain and preserve the safety and reliability of the Blue Water Bridge.

For more information:
Pomeline Martinoski
Senior Communications Specialist
The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited
343-551-0686 | communications@federalbridge.ca

MDOT awarded federal SMART grants for
Blue Water Bridge Smart Freight Corridor, transit program innovation 

LANSING, Mich. – Two Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects, including the Blue Water Bridge International Smart Freight Corridor and Advancing Rural Mobility: Michigan Public Transit Open Data Standards Program, have been selected for funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program.

Aimed at providing predictable arrival and processing times for truck-borne goods movement across the Blue Water Bridge to the Port Huron Port of Entry, the smart corridor project will improve the flow of data between shipping companies, vehicles, border agencies, and infrastructure operators along this key international freight corridor. The $1.8 million SMART grant will support a pilot project to improve the movement of westbound goods across the bridge and minimize border waiting times and congestion when fully implemented.

“Currently, trucks carrying freight across the border can experience lengthy delays at peak times. This project will decrease pollution from idling vehicles and decrease supply chain costs,” said Michele Mueller, MDOT’s senior project manager for connected and automated vehicles. “In 2020, $71.5 billion in goods passed over the Blue Water Bridge, so the potential benefits to the environment, along with a reduction of transportation costs, are tremendous.”

When the project is complete, the system will be able to support pre-clearance of freight shipments and minimize queuing and backups, while maintaining data and information security.

Longer distances between jobs, education opportunities, essential services, and recreation in rural communities can be a barrier to people with low incomes, people with disabilities, older adults, children, and teenagers who may not have access to a personal vehicle or be able to drive. Public transit is available in most communities, but finding out what services are available can remain a challenge.

“The Advancing Rural Mobility Program (ARMP) seeks to provide access to real-time public transit information and improve people’s ability to plan and book transit trips in rural communities,” said Janet Geissler, mobility innovations specialist with MDOT’s Office of Passenger Transportation. “This project will help rural transit agencies create data feeds using open standards that allow the data to be shared easily and consistently. That data can be used to power such things as trip-planning apps, on-demand ride-hailing services, and MDOT’s planned statewide Mobility as a Service platform, which will help people in all areas of the state identify and access transportation options.”

ARMP was selected to receive $1.3 million from the SMART grant program. MDOT has partnered with HNTB, an infrastructure design firm, and four rural public transit agencies to pilot the program: Benzie Transportation Authority, Charlevoix County Transit, Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, and Roscommon County Transportation Authority.

The two MDOT SMART grants are among 59 projects across 33 states, totaling $94 million in funding for the first round of the program. The program provides funding to public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects that use technologies and systems to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

The City of Detroit and the Road Commission for Oakland County also were selected to receive SMART grant funding.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

March 21, 2023                                                                       Rob Morosi

                                                                                                   248-361-6288 [email protected]

MDOT public open house April 11 to discuss draft

I-75 noise study in Oakland County

Troy, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting a public open house to discuss the draft I-75 noise study in Oakland County. Presentations and experts to answer questions will be available. If unable to attend, a pre-recorded presentation will be available after April 11 on the City of Troy website.

Who:

Interested residents

Community leaders

MDOT staff and consultants

When:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Presentations are scheduled at 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Where:

Troy Community Center Rooms 302 and 303

500 W. Big Beaver Rd.

Troy, MI 48084

Accessibility:

Accommodations can be made for persons who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for participation. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, or readers are available upon request. Please contact Orlando Curry at 517-335-4381 or complete Form 2658 for American Sign Language (ASL) located on the Title VI webpage: https://www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Programs/Title-VI. Requests should be made at least five days prior to the meeting date. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodation or an effective alternative, but accommodations may not be guaranteed.

Study background:

This study is a result of a $300,000 grant awarded to MDOT from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to conduct a traffic noise study on I-75 between 13 Mile Road and Adams Road in Oakland County. Information on the noise abatement program is available on MDOT’s website.

Public comment:

MDOT is currently seeking public input on the draft noise report. Comments can be submitted via an online comment form, e-mail, phone, and in person at the public meeting. Provide your comments by April 25, 2023.

Monica Monsma

MDOT Environmental Services Section

425 West Ottawa St.

P.O. Box 30050

Lansing, MI 48909

517-335-4381

[email protected]