building resilience into roads and bridges

by Becky Andrus | Jun 29, 2021 | Transportation

So this is what they mean by building resilience into roads and bridges

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8778332-so-this-is-what-they-mean-by-building-resilience-into-roads-and-bridges

After a deluge that caused flooding across Metro Detroit and overwhelmed power sources for pumps that help remove water from freeways, there are a lot of questions about how to address these challenges in the future.

Rob Morosi, senior media relations representative for the Michigan Department of Transportation in the Detroit area, joins the podcast to talk about long-term innovative solutions.

As of Saturday afternoon, officials in Dearborn said that city had been drenched with more than 7.5 inches of rain. This is reminiscent of heavy rains that created similar crises only seven years ago, in what was supposed to be a rare event. Scientists say we can expect more of these extreme weather events because of climate change.

Morosi talks about the efforts to build a tunnel that will move water to a storage location before ultimately flowing into a county drain. The main tunnel, featuring a 100-foot-deep start, is being built in the northeast quadrant of the I-75/I-696 interchange.

Morosi also explains why a tunnel was not workable on the pending I-94 modernization project through Detroit but says there are other innovative drainage options in the works.

As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer observed during a tour of the flooding Monday, all of this points to the need for more investment in transportation infrastructure at the state level and to heed the Biden Administration’s call for building for resiliency.

Experts have long pointed to the benefits of building for resiliency, including reduced damage to access roads, lower levels of injury and loss of life (safety), and the avoided loss of incomes and livelihoods.

Podcast photo shows I-94 flooding near Rotunda Drive in Dearborn.

I-75 Drainage Tunnel

The “Tunnel” is a major part of the drainage system improvements that are being constructed for I-75 Segment 3. This storage and drainage tunnel system is 4-miles long, 14.5-foot diameter and 100 feet underground generally along I-75’s northbound service drive between 8 Mile and 12 Mile Roads.

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

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

Federal mandatory mask order continues

by Becky Andrus | Jun 28, 2021 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2021

CONTACT: Michael Frezell, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-281-6519
[email protected]

Federal mandatory mask order continues for airplanes, buses, public transit systems, and rail systems

June 28, 2021 — As State of Michigan emergency orders were lifted on June 22, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds everyone to continue to mask up on airplanes, trains, public transit, and intercity vehicles, including vans and buses, in compliance with the federal face mask requirement issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and an order issued by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The federal requirements remain in effect through Sept. 13; the CDC order also requires people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from the virus to continue to wear a mask in public transportation facilities.

The federal requirements were implemented after President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 13998, Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel, “to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely.”

Science-based measures are critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Mask-wearing is one of several proven life-saving measures, including getting the vaccine, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, and timely testing, that can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Requiring masks protect America’s transportation workers and passengers, helps control the transmission of COVID-19, and aids in reopening America’s economy.

Various transportation providers fall under the regulatory authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the TSA. More COVID-19 information has been posted on their respective websites for further guidance:

https://www.transportation.gov/safety/mask-travel-guidance

https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Road bridge over I-75 starts after Independence Day

by Becky Andrus | Jun 28, 2021 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2021

CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, 248-483-5107, [email protected]

Replacement of 11 Mile Road bridge over I-75 starts

after Independence Day weekend in Oakland County

Fast facts:

– The 11 Mile Road overpass over I-75 will be replaced this year.

– Both directions of 11 Mile Road will be closed to through-traffic.

– The new 11 Mile Road overpass is scheduled to open in November.

June 28, 2021 — Contracting crews will be replacing the 11 Mile Road overpass above I-75 in the city of Madison Heights this year. Removal of the existing structure will begin during the overnight hours of Friday, July 9. The new 11 Mile Road overpass is scheduled to open in mid-November.

During this replacement work, both directions of 11 Mile Road will be closed to through-traffic between Campbell-Hilton and John R. roads. One lane will be open in each direction for residential and business traffic between Campbell-Hilton Road and the southbound service drive on the west side of the freeway, and between John R. Road and the northbound service drive on the east side of I-75. During the closure, through-traffic will be detoured to 12 Mile Road.

In addition, all ramps at the I-75/11 Mile Road interchange will be closed, except for Fourth Avenue access to southbound I-75. That entrance ramp will remain open during the initial phase of the replacement work and is expected to close later this summer.

A closure of the northbound service drive from Lincoln to Baxter avenues, as well as the southbound service drive from Gardenia Avenue to just south of 11 Mile Road, will be in place until mid-November.

Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75.

I-94 remains closed in Detroit and Dearborn due to flooding

by Becky Andrus | Jun 28, 2021 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

CONTACT: Diane Cross, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]

I-94 remains closed in Detroit and Dearborn due to flooding caused by heavy rains and power failures to pump houses

COUNTY:

Wayne

ROADWAY:

I-94

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS:

I-94 is expected to remain closed, including Monday morning rush hour due to the flooding in Detroit and Dearborn between Greenfield Road and the I-75 interchange.

MDOT crews and our county partners have been working around the clock to address the large volumes of rain received over a brief time span on Thursday and Friday which caused flooding and numerous power outages in metro Detroit. The lack of power affected dozens of freeway pump houses which rely on power to pump water off the freeways. Temporary generators were brought into a number of locations which allowed the reopening of all other freeways except for I-94 in Detroit and Dearborn between Greenfield Road and I-75. Those other freeways, such as I-96, M-10, and I-75 can be used as detour routes during the I-94 closure.

While temporary generators are working at three of the pump houses on I-94, the water flows back onto the freeway as the local creeks and rivers are cresting and there is nowhere for additional water to go. Once the waterways begin to subside, we will be able to pump the flood waters off I-94.

Once the freeway water recedes, tow trucks will be needed to remove all the trucks and cars currently stuck in the flood waters. Crews will then need to remove all the debris from the freeway and catch basins to ensure a safe roadway before allowing traffic back onto the freeway.

transit drivers to compete in 44th Annual Small Bus Roadeo

by Becky Andrus | Jun 21, 2021 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, JUNE 21, 2021

CONTACT: Carrie Thompson, Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, 231-709-1899
[email protected]

Michigan public transit drivers to compete
in 44th Annual Small Bus Roadeo

WHAT:
The 44th Annual Michigan Small Bus Roadeo is a statewide bus operators’ skills test competition and training event to determine the best small bus public transit drivers in Michigan. Competitors must take a written test, navigate an obstacle course, assist a passenger using a wheelchair, and conduct a vehicle safety inspection at the event. The Roadeo reinforces safe driving habits and professionalism behind the wheel while ensuring passenger safety.

WHO:
Approximately 35 bus drivers representing 15 transit agencies
Michigan Association of Transportation Systems (MASSTrans)
Michigan Public Transit Association (MPTA)
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Corporate sponsors
Media
Public

WHEN:
Friday, June 25, 2021
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (approximately)

WHERE:
Bavarian Inn Lodge
1 Covered Bridge Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

BACKGROUND:
Michigan transit agency managers, MDOT staff, and other volunteers will serve as judges. Winners will be announced at a dinner on June 25. The top three winners will represent Michigan by competing in the National Bus Roadeos held at the Community Transportation Association of America’s (CTAA) annual expos. First, second, and third place winners will compete in the 2022 CTAA Roadeo in Louisville, Ky.

EVENT CONTACT:
Contact Carrie Thompson, Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, at 231-709-1899 or [email protected].

which Michigan projects will make the cut?

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Transportation

Earmarks are back, which Michigan projects will make the cut?

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8678439-earmarks-are-back-which-michigan-projects-will-make-the-cut

This week, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee began debating a $547 billion highway bill, which, among other things, resurrects an old practice: the use of member earmarks for projects.

On this week’s podcast, Susan Howard, program director for transportation finance of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, talks about the process, the pros and cons, and what else we can expect.

In the second segment, Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), talks about the largest dollar amount targeted for Michigan, a $20 million earmark for the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge in Dearborn.

First, Howard talks about the highway reauthorization legislation, titled the INVEST in America Act, and the differences in today’s earmarks versus those of the past, mostly provisions for transparency. There is a cap on the number of projects members can submit per fiscal year and they must provide evidence their communities support the earmarks they submit. Also, any member submitting a request must post it online at the same time they submit their proposal to the Appropriations Committee.

Howard also talks about the status of separate negotiations for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and what happens now that talks broke off between the president and the Senate Republicans’ top negotiator, West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. Talks have resumed with a bipartisan group of senators.

Michigan projects

Most Michigan Congressional representatives included some projects in the bill. In addition to the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge submitted by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, requested $14.7 million to rebuild the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route in Kalamazoo, and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, sought $10 million to rebuild M-46 and M-19 in Oscoda County. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids Township, included some local street projects for the city of Grand Rapids.

MDOT’s Chynoweth explains the bridge bundling concept and the work needed on the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge. Because of the bridge’s vital role supporting the Ford Rouge plant, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has highlighted the need for rebuilding it. The balance of the $60 million needed to replace the bridge would come from the governor’s $300 million local bridge bundling proposal.

Other components of the bill would support electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The bill also would authorize $750 million annually over four years for MDOT to award funding to remediate, retrofit or even remove transportation facilities to restore mobility or access within “disadvantaged and underserved communities.”

The Detroit News explains why I-375 in Detroit is such an example.

Other references:

https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/ANS%20to%20HR%203684.pdf

https://www.rollcall.com/2021/02/26/house-appropriators-to-cap-earmarks-at-1-percent-of-topline/

Episode photo: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tours the Miller Rd./Rotunda Dr. bridge near the Ford Motor Co. River Rouge complex and I-94 in Dearborn.