Extreme speeds during the pandemic captures police attention
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200 millionth vehicle crosses the Mackinac Bridge
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2022
906-250-0993
200 millionth vehicle crosses the Mackinac Bridge
Fast facts:
– At 6:18 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Dalman family of Tawas City drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the Mackinac Bridge since its opening on Nov. 1, 1957.
– On Sept. 6, 2009, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge.
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – It was a chance occurrence, but it still makes for a cool story.
After driving the 200 millionth vehicle across the Mackinac Bridge at 6:18 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, the Dalman family of Tawas City now has the bragging rights and the sole claim to this milestone. Kurt Dalman was driving, with passengers Anna Dalman, and their children, Seth and Teresa.
“We’re headed to Pictured Rocks. This will be the kids’ first big hike,” Anna Dalman said. “We were very surprised. We had no idea (this milestone was coming up).”
Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason, member Caroline Cheeseman, and MBA staff met the Dalmans outside on the toll plaza after they drove their 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid through the booths, paying $4 cash in the northbound direction. They presented the family a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge, while Amy Millard, executive director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, and Lora Brown, executive director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, gave them a gift basket full of local items.
“It’s our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so it’s only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridge’s 65-year history,” Gleason said on the occasion. “The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but it’s remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.”
On Sept. 6, 2009, Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the bridge.
Construction on the Mackinac Bridge began in May 1954 and the completed structure was opened to traffic on Nov. 1, 1957. The MBA’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected, with all revenue used to maintain, operate and protect the bridge. More information about the bridge can be found at www.MackinacBridge.org.
Photo caption information:
Mackinac Bridge 200 millionth vehicle.jpg – The Dalman family of Tawas City, far right, received a local gift basket and a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge after they drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the bridge. Left to right: MBA Chief Bridge Engineer Julie Neph; Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Millard; St. Ignace Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lora Brown; MBA Member Caroline Cheeseman; MBA Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason; Seth Dalman; Anna Dalman; Teresa Dalman; and Kurt Dalman.
Funding roads like public utilities – through user fees
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MDOT virtual open house June 16
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2022 Rob Morosi
248-361-6288
MDOT virtual open house June 16 to discuss Second Avenue bridge slide over I-94 in Detroit
Detroit, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to attend a virtual open house regarding the upcoming Second Avenue bridge slide over I-94 in Detroit. The bridge slide is expected to take place in mid-July. During this virtual event, there will be a brief presentation on how the bridge slide will occur, the duration of the I-94 closure, and detours, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Who:
MDOT staff and project consultants
Interested residents and local stakeholders
When/Where:
Thursday, June 16, 2022 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Zoom virtual public meeting: click here for zoom meeting
To join by phone without using internet, call toll free: 877-853-5247
Webinar ID: 874 7727 4329
Passcode: 807595
Thursday, June 16, 2022
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Zoom virtual public meeting: click here for zoom meeting
To join by phone without using internet, call toll free: 877-853-5247
Webinar ID: 842 3797 6290
Passcode: 620154
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/
Project information:
The original Second Avenue overpass was built in 1954. The new bridge will be the first network tied arch structure in the state of Michigan. Network refers to the cables that are crossed from the top of the arch to the bottom of the structure on each side. The skeleton of the new bridge was built offsite at Wayne State University and will be rolled into place using self-propelled modular transports. Both directions of I-94 will need to be closed between I-75 and M-10 (Lodge Freeway) for seven days during bridge slide work, anticipated to begin Sunday, July 10.
Rail director touts opportunities presented by Sec. Buttigieg
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MDOT lifts traffic restrictions to ease Memorial Day travel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS MDOT lifts traffic restrictions to ease Safety benefits: LANSING, Mich. – This Memorial Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on more than 63 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers. AAA Michigan estimates more than 1.1 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 7.9 percent increase from last year. Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, May 27, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 104 out of 165 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. “As life continues to get back to normal as normal can be coming out of the pandemic, it’s clear folks are going to be doing a lot of traveling this holiday weekend and into the summer,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “We have more work happening than ever thanks to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program, which means more work zones to be aware of. We implore all drivers to slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones. While you’re depending on us to fix the roads, road workers are trusting you with their lives. 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. For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, view the list of statewide lane closures on 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 Memorial Day weekend. If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location. Upper Peninsula – 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-64, Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Halfway River west of Ontonagon via temporary signals. – M-129, Chippewa County, has one lane open in alternating directions over the Munuscong River via temporary signals. – M-183, Delta County, has one lane open in alternating directions via temporary signals at a culvert crossing 2 miles south of US-2. – US-2 in Bessemer, Gogebic County, will have the outside westbound lane closed between Clayberg and Mine streets. – US-41 (College Avenue) in Houghton, Houghton County, has a posted detour in place for southbound US-41 traffic. – US-41 in Marquette will have one southbound lane closed from Blemhuber Avenue and Furnace Street. – US-41/M-28 carpool lot near Alberta, Baraga County, will be closed. – US-45 in Ontonagon County, has one lane open in alternating directions over Roselawn Creek via temporary signals River 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 None. 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 – 14 Mile Road, Osceola County, is closed over US-131. Detour posted. – 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:
– 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. – I-96, Muskegon County, has one lane open in each direction over Norris Creek near Fruitport. – I-196, Kent County, has westbound lanes shifted at the I-196 Business Loop (Chicago Drive) interchange in Grandville. The eastbound I-196 exit ramp to Chicago Drive is closed, and the Chicago Drive entrance ramp to westbound I-196 is closed. – I-196, Ottawa County, has a traffic shift with two westbound lanes open and one eastbound lane open between Hudsonville and Zeeland. – M-179 (129th Avenue), Allegan County, has the entrance ramp to southbound US-131 closed. – US-31, Allegan County, has the northbound lanes closed at I-196 with traffic detoured to M-40. The southbound US-31 exit ramp to Washington Avenue/Blue Star Highway is closed. – US-31, Mason and Manistee counties, is closed between Hoague Road and Fox Farm Road. Detour posted. – US-131 Business Route (19 Mile Road) in Big Rapids is closed between 220th Avenue and Northland Drive. Detour posted. For more information, contact MDOT Grand Region Communications Representative John Richard at 616-262-1565. Follow the Grand Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_West. Southwest Michigan – I-69, Calhoun County, has one lane open in each direction from I-94 to M-78. – I-69, Calhoun County, has one lane open in each direction between M-60 and Marshall Drive. – I-94, Berrien County, has two lanes open in each direction with a traffic shift from I-196 to Britain Avenue. The southbound I-196 ramp to eastbound I-94 is closed and detoured. – I-94, Kalamazoo County, has ramp closures at Portage Road; Portage Road has one lane open in each direction with no left turns at Kilgore Road. For more information, contact MDOT Southwest Region Communications Representative Nick Schirripa at 269-208-7829. Follow the Southwest Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Southwest Central Michigan and Thumb – Lapeer Road, Lapeer County, is closed over I-69 and detoured. – I-69, Genesee County, will have two lanes open in each direction from Hammerberg Road to M-54. Ramps at the I-69/I-475 interchange are closed and detoured. – I-69, Lapeer County, will have one lane open in each direction from Lake Pleasant Road to Newark Road. – I-75, Genesee County, will have three lanes open at Coldwater Road with traffic shifted. – US-23 Connector, Arenac County, will have one lane open in each direction. The southbound I-75 ramp to eastbound US-23 Connector will remain closed. US-23/M-13 has one lane open in each direction through Standish. Worth Road and Lincoln Road are closed over I-75, with Melita Road closed over the US-23 Connector. – M-65, Arenac County, will have one alternating lane of traffic open via a temporary signal from Main Street to East Turner Road. – M-25 in Port Huron, St. Clair County, has one lane open in each direction from Hancock Street to M-136. – M-90, Sanilac County, is closed and detoured over the Black River via Todd Road, Galbraith Line Road, and Wildcat Road. For more information, contact MDOT Bay Region Communications Representative Jocelyn Garza at 989-245-7117. Follow the Bay Region on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDOT_Bay. Southern Michigan – I-69, Clinton County, has the following restrictions:
– I-69, Eaton and Calhoun counties, has the following restrictions:
– I-75, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction from north of Erie Road to north of Otter Creek Road. – I-75, Monroe County, has the following restrictions:
– I-496, Ingham County, has the following restrictions:
– M-59, Livingston County, has one westbound lane closed from Tipsico Lake Road to US-23. – 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 just north of McDevitt Road. – US-127/M-50 (West Avenue), Jackson County, has one northbound lane closed at I-94. The northbound US-127/M-50 (West Avenue) ramp to westbound I-94 is closed and detoured. – US-24, Monroe County, has one lane closed in each direction with a traffic shift from Townsquare Boulevard to Newburg Road. 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. Oakland County – Grand River Avenue will be closed and detoured 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, between Gill Road and Orchard Lake Road for an event. – I-75 has two lanes open in each direction between I-696 and 14 Mile Road; the I-696 ramps to northbound I-75 remain closed. – M-5 has three northbound lanes open between 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads. – M-24 (Washington Street) will be closed and detoured 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, between Broadway Street and East Street for an event. – US-24 (Dixie Highway) will be closed and detoured 9:30 a.m. – noon Monday, May 30, for an event between Sashabaw Road and Williams Lake Road/Walton Boulevard. Wayne County – I-75 has the southbound ramp to Schaefer Avenue closed. – I-75 will have three lanes open in each direction between Clay Street and Caniff Street. – I-94 has two westbound lanes open at Outer Drive. – I-94 will have the following restrictions:
– I-275 has two lanes open in each direction between Eureka and 6 Mile roads. – M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) will have two northbound lanes open between Randolph Street and Brush Street. – M-8 will have one lane open in each direction between John R Road and Goddard Street. Dequindre Street will have one lane open in each direction over M-8. – M-85 (Fort Street) will have one lane open in each direction at Woodmere Street. – M-85 (Fort Street) has one lane open in each direction under I-75. – M-153 (Ford Road) has two westbound lanes and one eastbound lane open between Evergreen Road and Outer Drive. Southbound Hines Drive is closed from Outer Drive to M-153. – 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. |
