How automated speed enforcement could save road worker lives

by Becky Andrus | Aug 10, 2022 | Transportation

How automated speed enforcement could save road worker lives On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, conversations with two people working on initiatives to protect those who build our state’s roads and bridges. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/11108912-how-automated-speed-enforcement-could-save-road-worker-lives   Michigan House Bill 5750 would allow the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan State Police (MSP) to set up automated speed enforcement systems in segments of state roads where work is being performed. First, John Osika, a veteran of Operating Engineers 324, representing heavy equipment operators, talks about the need for this legislation and other measures to protect workers. He recently penned an op-ed for Bridge Magazine laying out the reasons he and his colleagues support HB 5750. He also discusses close calls he observed first-hand while working on projects. The bill earmarks civil fine revenue from violations of section 627c first to MDOT, by implication for the cost of installing and using automated speed enforcement systems. The bill directs MDOT to deposit civil fine revenue from violations of section 627c in excess of the costs of installing and using automated speed enforcement systems into the Work Zone Safety Fund, established in the bill as a restricted fund for the purpose of improving work zone safety. Later, Lindsey Renner, MDOT construction operations engineer who is transitioning from her role as work zone manager, talks about the potential benefits of automated speed enforcement. These benefits have been measured in other states, including Maryland where a 2016 report documented a 10 percent reduction in speeds in Montgomery County. The House Fiscal Agency analysis says the bill would limit use of automated speed enforcement system to streets and highways under MDOT jurisdiction (state trunkline highways) and only in work zones when workers are present. The bill would have no impact on local road agencies. Podcast photo: Road work ahead sign. First portrait: John Osika, training director of Michigan-based Operating Engineers 324. Second portrait: MDOT construction operations engineer.

One bridge bundling project wraps up, others starting

by Becky Andrus | Aug 1, 2022 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                MEDIA CONTACT
August 1, 2022                                                                                    Dan Weingarten
906-250-4809
[email protected]

One bridge bundling project wraps up, others starting

Fast facts:
– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project is moving forward, with a Livingston County bridge completion last week and the final five projects starting this month.
– The pilot currently encompasses major improvements to 19 locally owned bridges in 2022.
– MDOT expects the bridge bundling pilot project, which covers several projects under one contract, to streamline coordination and permitting, increase economies of scale, and improve bridge conditions on local routes.
– MDOT’s online dashboard at Michigan.gov/BridgeBundling allows the public to track progress on the projects.

LANSING, Mich. ­– This month is a busy one for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, with repairs on the final five bridges included in the program scheduled to begin.

Seven local agency bridge bundling projects are now largely finished, with work on seven others nearing completion. Two more projects are starting today, with the final three set to begin later this month.

The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County was the most recent bridge to be repaired. While bridge work finished on Thursday, the road will not reopen to traffic immediately.  MDOT and Livingston County have collaborated, allowing the county road commission to take advantage of the bridge closure to start a road project. The road and bridge will remain closed until around Oct. 1, when the county’s project is completed.  Delaying the reopening, at the county’s request, will reduce inconvenience for stakeholders by condensing two potential closures into one tighter timeframe.

Steve Wasylk, managing director of the Livingston County Road Commission, said Mason Road is a vital connector for numerous areas in the county.  It also serves as an alternate route if I-96 is closed for any reason, making the condition of the bridge very important.

“Prior to construction, we had reduced loading on the bridge and numerous holes in the deck,” Wasylk said. “Having this bridge included in the Bridge Bundling Pilot was a tremendous benefit to be able fix the bridge with no impacts to our budget.”

Livingston County has another bridge in the program, on Iosco Road, scheduled to be repaired starting Aug. 15. While not as highly traveled as Mason Road, Wasylk said it’s another important connection.

All of the bridges encompassed by the bridge bundling program will be completed and reopened to traffic within 60 or 90 days from the start of repairs, with the exception of Mason Road. The remaining bridges, along with scheduled start dates and contracted length of the project, are:

Lenawee County: Sand Creek Highway (Aug. 1, 90 days)
Livingston County: Iosco Road (Aug. 15, 60 days)
Luce County: Dollarville Road (Aug. 1, 60 days)
Macomb County: 26 Mile Road (August 15, 90 days)
St. Joseph County: Nottawa Road (Aug. 29, 90 days)

This year’s bridge bundling pilot project, the first of its kind in Michigan, is repairing 19 bridges in serious or critical condition that are owned by local agencies. Each bridge will have its superstructure replaced, which includes full removal and replacement of the bridge deck and supporting beams.

Adam Newton, project engineer for the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR), said “the bridge bundling program was a great resource for the department as it strives for a sustainable balance of bridge replacement, improvements and preventive maintenance to limit the number of bridges that slip into poor, serious or critical condition.”

“Having a few of the bridge superstructures that are in critical condition replaced within the bridge bundle pilot project has given the MCDR an opportunity to focus on implementing a mix of fixes for the remainder of our bridge inventory with traditional resources and funding,” Newton said.

Macomb County has three bridges, including 26 Mile Road, with repairs starting Aug. 15, in the pilot program.

The pilot project is funded by federal Highway Improvement Program (HIP) dollars. MDOT bridge staff and consultants are doing preliminary design and construction administration work for the bridge bundling program.

An online dashboard at Michigan.gov/BridgeBundling provides project updates and shows percent completion, detour routes, and other information for each project.

The pilot program is only the first phase of the bridge bundling initiative with $196 million in federal COVID relief funds appropriated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature will allow the state to execute Phase II of the bridge bundling program, beginning later this year, to address 59 more bridges.

A list of the Phase II bridges, which were prioritized based on regional mobility and safety, is available here. Phase II focuses on closed and load-posted bridges. Some will be permanently removed while others will be fully replaced.

MDOT expects bridge bundling, which covers several bridge locations under one contract, to streamline coordination and permitting, increase economies of scale, and improve bridge conditions on local routes around the state. MDOT is working to expand the approach, already in use on state trunkline projects, to address locally owned bridges.

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The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County is shown under construction earlier this summer. The bridge, one of 19 to be repaired under the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, was completed last week. (Photo courtesy of RS&H)

The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County, one of 19 to be repaired under the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, was completed last week. The bridge will remain closed to traffic until October, at the county’s request, while a county road project is under way. (Photo courtesy of RS&H)

Michigan submits an EV charging plan

by Becky Andrus | Aug 1, 2022 | Transportation

With $110 million to access, Michigan submits an EV charging plan  The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden in late 2021, among many things, established a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (“NEVI Formula”) to provide funding to states to strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. In order to access those federal funds, in Michigan’s case, $110 million, states are required to submit a plan to the federal government. MDOT submitted the plan on Thursday, July 28, but the development involved several state agencies and other partners. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/11048860-with-110-million-to-access-michigan-submits-an-ev-charging-plan This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features a conversation with two of the people who worked on the plan: Niles Annelin is a policy section manager at MDOT and spearheaded the department’s efforts on the plan. And Judd Herzer, director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. Among the most vital themes emphasized in the plan is equity. Annelin talks about the extensive efforts the team took to ensure to maximize benefits to disadvantaged communities. Herzer explains how a work force development initiative serves that goal. Specifically, the plan says the state will seek to “maximize benefits to disadvantaged communities, as well as rural and underserved communities, in alignment with the Justice40 Initiative” and will “foster a diverse pipeline of workers in EV-related careers” and “equity-driven workforce training.” Other highlights from the Michigan NEVI Plan include: A strategic vision for how Michigan will use its $110M NEVI funds to “develop a safe, equitable, reliable, convenient, and interconnected transportation electrification network that enables the efficient movement of people, improves quality of life, spurs economic growth, protects Michigan’s environment, and facilitates data collection.” Strategic goals to “reduce GHG emissions economy-wide by 28% below 2005 levels by 2025, en route to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; and build the safe, convenient, affordable, reliable, and equitable infrastructure necessary to support two million EVs on Michigan roads by 2030.” A goal which supports the governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan That the Plan was developed with the input of over 200 stakeholder entities, 10 state agencies, and the general public. That the State will utilize its existing programmatic infrastructure through Charge Up Michigan (EGLE) to administer NEVI funds for Alternative Fuel Corridor buildout of a safe, reliable, accessible, and commercially viable charging network. Podcast photo: A vehicle being charged. First portrait: Niles Annelin, MDOT policy section manager. Second portrait: Judd Herzer, director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205. Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

How legislation would protect Mackinac Bridge

by Becky Andrus | Jul 25, 2022 | Transportation

How legislation would protect Mackinac Bridge, other structures This week on the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, first, a conversation with the chief sponsor of House Bill 5315, State Rep. John Damoose. Later, Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA), explains why the MBA took the rare step of adopting a resolution in support of the legislation. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/11011251-how-legislation-would-protect-mackinac-bridge-other-structures? In the wake of some troubling incidents on the Mackinac Bridge (involving people climbing a tower or otherwise accessing the bridge to take photos and another involving a bomb threat that closed the bridge on a busy weekend and disrupted travel for hours), the Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill, 99 to 6, classifying the Mackinac Bridge and other vital structures as “key facilities.” The designation means trespassing on the structures is a felony offense. This week on the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, first, a conversation with the chief sponsor of House Bill 5315, State Rep. John Damoose. Later, Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA), explains why the MBA took the rare step of adopting a resolution in support of the legislation. HB 5315 would add the Mackinac Bridge to the list of key facilities, as well as any movable bridge in the state: the Zilwaukee Bridge, the Rouge River Bridge, the MacArthur Bridge, and all international crossings, including the Ambassador Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the International Bridge. Gleason also talks about a separate motion adopted by the Authority in opposition to Senate bills 1014 and 1078 concerning the transport of farm equipment across the bridge on I-75. The motion reads: “I move that the Board agree that the MBA’s Bridge Director and this Board’s Special Committee acted in good faith by thoroughly evaluating whether the proposed bills regarding farm implements could be modified to become bills that this Board could support. In the end, these individuals determined that the proposed bills and variations of them, if signed into law, would compromise the structural integrity and operations of the Mackinac Bridge and the safety of motorists who travel on the Bridge. They accordingly recommend, for these reasons, that the Board oppose the proposed bills or variations of them. I so move for the Board’s agreement and support.” Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205. Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

MDOT public open houses July 26 and 28

by Becky Andrus | Jul 18, 2022 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2022   MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 [email protected]  MDOT public open houses July 26 and 28 to discuss the New Center Intermodal Facility (NCIF) in Detroit Detroit, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting a virtual and in-person open house on the upcoming New Center Intermodal Facility (NCIF) in Detroit. NCIF is a proposed project that would combine an intercity bus station with the existing Amtrak train station at M-1 (Woodward Avenue) and Baltimore Street in the New Center neighborhood of Detroit. Who: Interested residents Community leaders Local businesses MDOT staff and consultants Virtual open house: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Click here to join the Zoom virtual open house Join by phone 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 849 6980 0747 Passcode: 174900 In-person open houses: Thursday, July 28, 2022 8 – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fisher Building 3011 W Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48202 Please note that I-94 will be closed, impacting access routes to the Fisher Building. 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 517-241-7462 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. Project information: The current Amtrak train station and Howard Street intercity bus station have become expensive to maintain due to their age and are not up to standards for accessibility and safety. The NCIF will establish a regional transportation hub providing multimodal access and convenient connectivity with a focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged communities. It will provide high-quality passenger amenities and public space improvements to enhance the customer and pedestrian experience in the project area. Public input: MDOT is currently seeking public input to discuss how the NCIF best serve the community. The virtual open house will be recorded and posted on the project website along with an online survey to provide feedback. Comments can be submitted via an online comment form, e-mail, phone, and in person at the public meeting. Monica Monsma MDOT Environmental Services Section 425 West Ottawa St. P.O. Box 30050 Lansing, MI 48909 517-335-4381

A second Flex Route takes shape in Michigan

by Becky Andrus | Jul 8, 2022 | Transportation

A second Flex Route takes shape in Michigan, easing daily commutes for thousands On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Brian Travis, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project manager on the I-96 Flex Route in western Oakland County. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/10922972-a-second-flex-route-takes-shape-in-michigan-easing-daily-commutes-for-thousands The $269 million project, allowing for the use of shoulders as travel lanes during peak travel times, is MDOT’s second use of the traffic innovation. In 2016 and 2017, contractors built the first phase of a Flex Route, a $125 million investment on US-23 north of Ann Arbor. A project is in design now for a second phase, at an estimated cost of $146 million, to extend the Flex Route from north of 8 Mile Road to I-96. Travis says the Oakland County project is on schedule and talks about the three-year timeline. He also touts the safety and efficiency benefits the added capacity during peak travel hours will provide. 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 improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.