Rebuilding Michigan projects take shape across the state and an update on bonding

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, an update on Rebuilding Michigan road and bridge projects across the state as the 2022 construction season begins in earnest.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/10613118-rebuilding-michigan-projects-take-shape-across-the-state-and-an-update-on-bonding

First, Gregg Brunner, director of MDOT’s Bureau of Field Services, talks about how the department, consultants, and contractors mitigated challenges from spring weather as well as supply chains and labor availability. He also offers progress reports on several high-profile road projects.

Later, MDOT Finance Director Patrick McCarthy makes a repeat appearance to outline the Rebuilding Michigan bonding program and explain how it benefits the state.

Brunner talks about several high-profile projects that involve completely rebuilding busy segments of freeways including: I-96 Flex Route in western Oakland County, I-275 in western Wayne County, I-69 near Flint, I-94 in Jackson, which includes installation of a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at US-127, the third DDI in Michigan, and I-196 west of Grand Rapids in Ottawa County.

In his overview of the bonding program, McCarthy explains why the ratings agencies looked so favorably on the sales and how they sold at a premium.

He also explains how, with recent increases in the costs of materials and labor, MDOT’s issuance of the first rounds of bonds were especially timely and produced even more savings than previously expected. Looking in the bond sales also helped avoid some of the increases from inflation.

Podcast photo: I-69/I-475 interchange Rebuilding Michigan project in Flint.
First portrait: Gregg Brunner, director of MDOT’s Bureau of Field Services.
Second portrait: MDOT Finance Director Patrick McCarthy.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

A pioneering agreement between Michigan and federal government for national parks

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, conversations with two State of Michigan officials about the announcement of an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) to work together and develop programs for more sustainable and equitable travel to NPS lands.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/10476040-a-pioneering-agreement-between-michigan-and-federal-government-for-national-parks

The announcement coincided with other Earth Week events across the state and featured a visit from Charles F. Sams III, who was sworn in Dec. 16, 2021, as NPS director, the first tribal citizen to lead the service in its 106-year history.

(Video story of the event.)

First, Trevor Pawl, Michigan’s chief mobility officer, explains the potential opportunities from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced Tuesday, April 19, between NPS and several state departments. Some of the possibilities include installing more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, something NPS has already begun.

Later, Jean Ruestman, who directs MDOT’s Office of Passenger Transportation and a key player in developing the MOU, joins the podcast to talk about the potential to provide broader accessibility to the parks. She also explains how the Michigan Mobility Challenge, highlighted by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2019, could provide a model for inspiring ideas to increase access to the national parks. Podcast photo: Morning fog in Yellowstone River Valley. National Park Service photo by Neal Herbert. First portrait: Trevor Pawl, Michigan’s chief mobility officer Second portrait: Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation

The challenges and perils of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, questions and explanations about the increasing frequency of melting ice falling from the Mackinac Bridge cables, creating hazards for motorists and the need to close the bridge for many hours at a time. This video illustrates the danger.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/10397904-the-challenges-and-perils-of-falling-ice-on-the-mackinac-bridge

As this record shows, closures because of falling ice have happened with increasing frequency.

First, Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation, explains what causes the big chunks of ice to come crashing down and the challenges other bridge operators across the country and world have had in managing the problem. In Toledo, the Ohio Department of Transportation has been forced to close the Veterans Glass City Skyway over the Maumee River because of falling ice. Chynoweth also explains the challenge in striking a balance between the cost of delays to travelers and the expensive solutions being discussed elsewhere.

Later, James Lake, MDOT North Region media relations representative who also supports the Mackinac Bridge Authority, talks about his efforts in explaining the issues to media outlets and social media users.

In February 2019, ice falling from the Mackinac Bridge smashed the windshield of a pickup truck.

Podcast photo: Ice builds up on the iconic green Mackinac Bridge cables.

First portrait: Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Second portrait: James Lake, MDOT North Region media relations representative.