FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       MDOT MEDIA CONTACT        ELECTREON CONTACT
September 21, 2022                  Michael Frezell                        Janine Ward
517-281-6519                          313-536-7806
[email protected]        [email protected] 

Partners on the first-in-the-U.S. public wireless EV charging road, MDOT and Electreon enter into agreement
 to explore larger road deployment 

Fast facts:
– Electreon was selected to build a public wireless in-road charging system to pilot on a 1-mile section of road in Detroit.
– MDOT and Electreon have signed a five-year agreement to develop and work toward implementing a scalable wireless public in-road charging network.
– Research and lessons learned as part of this agreement will help to develop best practices framework for wireless electric road system implementation and management in all of Michigan. 

LANSING, Mich. and LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Electreon have entered into a five-year agreement to develop and work toward implementing a scalable wireless public in-road charging network for electric vehicles (EV). A first in the United State, the in-road system charges EVs while in motion or stationary.

“This agreement helps solidify Michigan as the U.S. leader in developing and implementing a wireless in-road charging network,” State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said. “We now can work toward better policy and regulatory framework that provides a welcoming environment for this unique technology. Ultimately, the research and work conducted on this project will help lead to large-scale deployment across Michigan and the U.S.”

Under the agreement, MDOT and Electreon will work collaboratively to develop best practices for a wireless electric road system (ERS) implementation and management and add strategic partners. They will analyze the benefits associated with ERS pertaining to pressure on the grid and cost associated with large-scale electrification of the transportation sector, integrate it in the 2045 electrification strategy, leverage state and federal funding, and explore possible business models for ERS to serve as a revenue stream for the state and as an attractive alternative for fleet operators. Reduction of pollution will be addressed, especially in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, and public transit agencies will be engaged to ensure accessibility to the wireless ERS infrastructure.

“The potential for electrifying roads and cities is practically endless and working together with MDOT we are reshaping the future of transportation,” said Oren Ezer, CEO and co-founder of Electreon. “Through ongoing collaboration on our Detroit project, MDOT has proven to be innovative leaders in the industry. We’re excited to enter into this agreement to create a blueprint for scaling wireless charging for all EVs across Michigan and the U.S. and look forward to aligning with additional DOTs in the future.”

In February of this year, the State of Michigan announced Electreon was awarded a contract to build a 1-mile ERS in Detroit. The company is leading the development, design, evaluation, iteration, testing, and implementation of the inductive vehicle charging pilot program, which aims to be operational as of 2023. Working with NextEnergy and Jacobs Engineering Group, the project is being hosted by and live within Michigan Central, a mobility innovation district, and supported by partners like Ford Motor Co., DTE Energy, and the City of Detroit.

The parties believe that electrified roadways have the potential to accelerate adoption of EVs by consumers and fleet operations alike by enabling continuous vehicle operations and turning public streets into safe and sustainable shared energy assets. The State of Michigan is exploring electrifying state-owned vehicles by 2030, including EV trucks, vans, and cars.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                MEDIA CONTACT
September 20, 2022                                                                           Dan Weingarten
906-250-4809
[email protected]

Final Adopt-A-Highway cleanup coming Saturday

Fast facts:

– The final Adopt-A-Highway of the year is Sept. 24-Oct. 2.

– Adopt-A-Highway volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of litter annually.

– Sections of highway are still available to adopt. Go to www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway

 for more information.

 LANSING, Mich. ­– Before the leaves start to turn and fall, thousands of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Adopt-A-Highway volunteers will fan out across the state to collect litter along highway roadsides from Saturday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 2.

This is the third and final scheduled pickup period of the year.

Every year, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers regularly collect more than 60,000 bags of trash. The popular program began in Michigan in 1990 and has grown to involve more than 2,900 groups cleaning more than 6,000 miles of highway.

Motorists should be on the lookout for the groups as the clean the roadsides beginning Saturday. When working in a highway right of way, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations. MDOT provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash.

Getting involved in the program is straightforward. Volunteers include members of civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old and each group must include at least three people. Groups are asked to adopt a section of highway for at least two years. There is no fee to participate. Adopt-A-Highway signs bearing group names are posted along the stretches of adopted highway.

Sections of highway are available for adoption all over the state. Interested groups can get more information on joining the program at www.Michigan.gov/AdoptAHighway.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

September 15, 2022                                                               Diane Cross

[email protected]

Southbound M-15 (Ortonville Road) to be closed in village of Ortonville in Oakland County to replace culvert

ORTONVILLE, Mich. – Beginning 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, southbound M-15 (Ortonville Road) will be closed at south Granger Road in the village of Ortonville for approximately two months to replace an existing culvert that has been deteriorating and eroding away the shoulder. This work must be done as soon as possible to avoid long-term erosion to the roadway.

The lengthy detour will use local paved roads: southbound M-15 to eastbound Oakwood Road, then southbound Baldwin Road to westbound Seymour Lake Road.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACTS
September 1, 2022                                                                  See regional contact information below.

 MDOT lifts traffic restrictions to ease
Labor Day holiday weekend travel

Safety benefits:
– MDOT is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions wherever possible this holiday weekend (96 out of 162 projects) to ease congestion and increase safety.
– While work will be suspended on many projects over the weekend, there will still be numerous work zones where equipment and traffic configurations will remain.
– Remember to buckle up, stay alert and avoid distractions at all times when driving.

LANSING, Mich. – This Labor Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on nearly 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 96 out of 162 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.

“This has been one of the busiest years in MDOT’s history with many much-needed projects finally happening thanks to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “We thank everyone for their patience during this very busy summer and remind all drivers that there will still be some lane restrictions in place statewide this weekend. For your safety, your family’s safety, and for road workers’ safety, slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones. You’re depending on us to fix the roads and road workers are depending on your safe driving. Let’s make sure everyone makes 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.

This list is current as of Sept. 1. For the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the Mi Drive website at www.Michigan.gov/Drive.

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.

Upper Peninsula

– I-75, Mackinac County, has one northbound lane open over the Pine River, north of M-134.

– M-28 in Munising, Alger County, has two lanes open between Commercial Street and Bay View Street with a traffic shift.

– M-64, Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Floodwood River west of Ontonagon via temporary signals.

– M-94 in Manistique, Schoolcraft County, has a posted detour in place for eastbound and westbound traffic.

– US-2 in Bessemer, Gogebic County, has a posted detour in place for eastbound US-2 traffic.

– US-2, Gogebic County, has one lane open in alternating directions over Tenderfoot Creek via temporary signals west of Watersmeet.

– US-2, Gogebic County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Cisco Branch of the Ontonagon River via temporary signals west of Watersmeet.

– US-41 (College Avenue) in Houghton, Houghton County, has a posted detour in place for southbound US-41 traffic.

– US-41 in Marquette, Marquette County, has two through-lanes and a center left-turn lane open between Blemhuber Avenue and Furnace Street with a traffic shift.

– US-45, Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over Roselawn Creek via temporary signals southeast of Ewen.

For more information, contact MDOT Superior Region Communications Representative Dan Weingarten at 906-250-4809. Follow the Superior Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_UP.

Northern Lower Peninsula

– I-75 in Mackinaw City, Emmet County, has the southbound ramp to US-23 (Exit 338) closed; local traffic is detoured to Jamet Street (Exit 339) to access city streets.

– M-55, Iosco and Ogemaw counties, will have one lane of alternating traffic with temporary traffic signals on the bridge over the Au Gres River.

– M-66, Charlevoix County, has through-traffic detoured between Lord Road and Lacroix Road via US-131, M-88 and US-31.

– US-31, Manistee County, has one lane open at M-22 with a temporary traffic signal. M-22 is closed between US-31 and Schoedel Road.

For more information, contact MDOT North Region Communications Representative James Lake at 906-250-0993. Follow the North Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Traverse.

West Michigan

– I-96, Kent County, has one westbound lane open with a traffic shift between Whitneyville Avenue and 36th Street. The following ramps will be closed:

• The westbound I-96 ramp to westbound M-6,
• The eastbound M-6 ramp to westbound I-96, and
• The 36th Street ramp to eastbound I-96.

– I-96, Kent County, has the eastbound ramp to southbound US-131 closed with a posted detour. The M-37 (Alpine Avenue) ramp to southbound US-131 is also closed.

– I-96, Muskegon County, has one lane open in each direction at Hile Road near US-31. The eastbound I-96 ramp to Hile Road is also closed.

– I-96, Muskegon County, has one lane open in each direction over Norris Creek near Fruitport.

– I-196, Allegan County, has one lane open in each direction over the Kalamazoo River between 130th Avenue and Old Allegan Road with a traffic shift.

– I-196, Kent County, has westbound lanes shifted at the I-196 Business Loop (Chicago Drive) interchange in Grandville. The eastbound I-196 ramp to Chicago Drive is closed, and the Chicago Drive ramp to westbound I-196 is also closed.

– I-196, Ottawa County, has a traffic shift with two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane open between Hudsonville and Zeeland.

– M-6, Kent County, has one eastbound lane open from Thornapple River Drive to I-96.

– M-37, Kent County, has the southbound lane closed and detoured between 15 Mile and 13 Mile roads. 

• The westbound I-69 ramp to westbound I-96 is closed.
• The westbound I-69 ramp to Francis Road is closed.
• The Airport Road ramp to westbound I-69 is closed.

– I-69, Eaton and Calhoun counties, has the following restrictions:

• Northbound and southbound I-69 each have one lane closed at Cochran Road.
• One lane of southbound I-69 is closed at M-50.
• The M-50 ramp to northbound I-69 is closed.
• The northbound I-69 ramp to Ainger Road is closed.
• The M-78 ramp to northbound I-69 is closed.

– I-75, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction between Erie Road and Otter Creek Road.

– I-75, Monroe County, has the following restrictions:

• I-75 has one lane closed in each direction at Swan Creek Road/Newport Road.
• The northbound I-75 exit and entrance ramps at Swan Creek Road/Newport Road (Exit 21) are closed.
• Swan Creek Road/Newport Road has one lane open in each direction at I-75.
• Nadeau Road is closed at I-75.

– I-94, Jackson County, has the following restrictions:

• The Elm Street ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 are closed.
• The eastbound I-94 ramp to Elm Street is closed.

– I-96 Business Loop, Ingham County, has one lane open in each direction between Delta Street and Mildred Street.

– I-496 in Lansing, Ingham County, has the following restrictions:

• I-496 is closed in each direction between M-99 and Grand Avenue. Traffic is detoured onto the adjacent service drives (St. Joseph and Malcolm X streets).
• The Lansing Road ramp to eastbound I-496 is closed.
• The westbound I-496 ramp to Main Street is closed.
• Hungerford Street is closed over I-496.
• Grand Avenue is closed over I-496.
• Capitol Avenue is closed over I-496.

– M-43 (Grand River Avenue), Ingham County, has one lane closed in each direction between Park Lake Road and Oak Point Court. Okemos Road is closed at M-43.

– M-50 (Brooklyn Road), has the ramps to northbound US-127 and Oaklane Road closed.

– US-12 Business Route (BR)/M-17 in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, has the following restrictions:

• US-12 BR will have one lane open in each direction over I-94.
• The southbound US-12 BR ramp to eastbound I-94 is closed.
• The northbound US-12 BR ramp to westbound I-94 is closed.

– US-24, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift from Townsquare Boulevard to Newburg Road.

– US-127, Ingham County, has one lane closed in each direction from the Jackson County line to M-36.

– US-127, Jackson County, has one lane closed in each direction between south of M-50 (Brooklyn Road) and south of South Street.

– US-127, Jackson County, will have the northbound ramp to westbound I-94 closed.

For more information, contact MDOT University Region Communications Representative Aaron Jenkins at 517-243-9075. Follow the University Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_LanJxn and www.twitter.com/MDOT_A2.

Metro Detroit

Macomb County

– M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) has two lanes open in each direction between 12 Mile and 14 Mile roads; the eastbound I-94 ramp to M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) is closed.

– M-59 has two lanes open in each direction between M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) and I-94. The eastbound I-94 ramps to eastbound and westbound M-59 are closed, as well as the westbound M-59 ramp to westbound I-94.

– M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) has the right northbound lane closed from 14 Mile to 15 Mile roads.

Oakland County

– I-75 has the following restrictions:

• I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between I-696 and 14 Mile Road.
• The eastbound and westbound I-696 ramps to northbound I-75 are closed.
• The northbound I-75 exit ramps to 11 Mile and 12 Mile roads are closed.
• The southbound I-75 exit ramp to 12 Mile Road is closed.

– I-75 has the northbound exit ramp to University Drive closed; the Chrysler Drive entrance ramp to northbound I-75 is closed.

– I-96 has the following restrictions:

• I-96 has two lanes open in each direction between I-275 and Kent Lake Road.
• The eastbound I-96 exit ramps to Milford and Wixom roads are closed.
• The Kent Lake Road and Milford Road entrance ramps to eastbound I-96 are closed.

Wayne County

– I-75 has two northbound lanes open at Dix Highway.

– I-75 has three northbound lanes open from Springwells to Clark streets and three southbound lanes open from Vernor Avenue to Junction Street.

– I-75/M-8 (Davison Freeway) interchange has the following restrictions:

• I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between Clay Street and Caniff Avenue.
• M-8 has two lanes open in each direction between John R and Goddard roads.
• The northbound and southbound I-75 ramps to eastbound M-8 are closed.

– I-94/M-10 (Lodge Freeway) interchange will have the following restrictions:

• The northbound M-10 ramp to westbound I-94 is closed.
• The westbound I-94 ramps to northbound and southbound M-10 are closed.

– I-96 has the eastbound and westbound ramps to eastbound I-94 closed.

– I-275 has the following restrictions:

• I-275 has two lanes open in each direction between I-94 and M-14/I-96.
• The northbound I-275 ramp to westbound M-14 is closed.
• The westbound Ann Arbor Road, westbound Ford Road, and westbound Michigan Avenue ramps to southbound I-275 ramps are closed.
• The I-275 exit ramp to Ecorse Road is closed.
• The westbound M-14 ramp to southbound I-275 is closed.
• The eastbound M-14 ramps to northbound and southbound I-275 are closed.

– M-1 (Woodward Avenue) has two northbound lanes open at State Fair Street and two southbound lanes open at Carmel Street.

– M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) has all southbound lanes closed from St. Antoine to Brush streets.

– US-12 (Michigan Avenue) has two lanes open in each direction between Oakwood Boulevard and Greenfield Road. The westbound US-12 ramp to southbound M-39 is closed.

– US-24 (Telegraph Road) has two lanes open in each direction between I-94 and US-12.

For more information, contact MDOT Metro Region Communications Representative Diane Cross at 248-752-0336. Follow the Metro Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_MetroDet.