Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed

by orionontv | Jun 6, 2024 | Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2024   MEDIA CONTACT James Lake 906-250-0993 [email protected] Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed ST. IGNACE, Mich. – Completion of the first season of a two-season repaving project on the Mackinac Bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans has again been delayed, with completion now expected next week.   Citing rainy weather that has prevented paving, along with projected rain in weather forecasts, project contractor Zenith Tech estimates completion of remaining paving should be completed around the middle of the week of June 10.   Crews paved a portion of the bridge this past Monday and plan to pave today, completing the portions on the north end of the bridge. An expected total of three to four more full days of paving are needed to complete the work on the south portions of the bridge.   Based on forecasts, paving could resume as early as Saturday, June 8. The contractor is making a determination for paving each day by 10 a.m.   Repaving, deck repairs and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge began March 25. Traffic is being maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction.   Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.   Wide-load restrictions are in place in both directions for any vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with traffic stopped for brief periods to accommodate those crossings.

25 millionth Mackinac Bridge crosser returns

by orionontv | May 30, 2024 | Transportation

25 millionth Mackinac Bridge crosser returns to celebrate a 50-year anniversary

ST. IGNACE, Mich. – On May 21, 1974, Bob Kuchar was a 24-year-old General Motors employee on vacation when he crossed the Mackinac Bridge on his 1972 Suzuki 250 motorcycle. Turns out, he was riding the 25 millionth vehicle to cross the bridge since it opened in 1957.

On May 23, 2024, Kuchar made the trip again – crossing in his 2017 Ford F-150 this time – to mark the 50th anniversary (plus two days) of that momentous crossing.

“It was an experience for a 24-year-old, and it was just a cool feeling to be the 25 millionth across,” he said. “I couldn’t have been more welcomed by the Bridge Authority representatives from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.”

While Kuchar, who is now 74, had planned to cross the bridge this time on his 2019 Husqvarna 350 FE dual-sport motorcycle, he instead carried it across in his truck due to concerns about crossing the bridge’s grating during gusty winds.

“To have my name associated with the iconic Mighty Mac, I’m no less humbled as I again was welcomed to visit with you all,” Kuchar said. “Some family and friends offered regrets that I didn’t get another picture of me on my cycle paying the toll, but most said, ‘maybe next time.'”

Though he’s crossed the bridge several times over the years, this crossing was just a day trip. After a quick tour of the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) administration and maintenance facility, he enjoyed a lunch at Clyde’s in St. Ignace before heading home.

Back in 1974, when Kuchar was living in the Saginaw area, he was planning a trip all the way around Lake Michigan. He hadn’t expected the surprise at the Mackinac Bridge, which included a photo op with MBA Executive Secretary Lawrence Rubin and a prize package worth $500 donated by Straits-area businesses. It included hotel and meal vouchers, as well as a free tank of gas. Unfortunately, he had just filled up his four-gallon tank right before crossing.

As his trip continued around the lake, he stopped in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. An approaching storm scuttled the rest of his trip, and instead he crossed back across the lake on the ferry to Ludington. When he got home, his parents had several newspapers laid out on the kitchen table with articles about his historic Mackinac Bridge crossing.

Kuchar retired from DELPHI Automotive Systems in 2005 and now lives in Fruitport with his wife of 45 years, Jackie. The couple has three children and two grandchildren.

Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed

by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Transportation

Mackinac Bridge repaving completion delayed

ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The first season of a two-season repaving project on the Mackinac Bridge’s north viaduct and approach truss spans, originally scheduled to be completed by May 23, will not be complete until June 7.

Citing additional patching work and an inability to field full work crews, project contractor Zenith Tech says it will not be able to meet its original completion date or reopen the bridge prior to Memorial Day as called for in the contract.

“We have not only allowed, but strongly encouraged, the contractor to work around the clock and through weekends to get this project wrapped up ahead of the surge of traffic we expect for the holiday weekend,” said Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Chief Engineer Cole Cavalieri. “We know that having lane closures on the bridge for Memorial Day travel will result in delays and backups, so we ask customers to be patient and consider crossing at off-peak times.”

Repaving, deck repairs, and joint repairs on the two northbound lanes of the bridge began March 25. Traffic is being maintained with one lane open in each direction during construction.

Work was scheduled early in the year to help minimize delays to traffic and disruptions to special events on the bridge.

Weekend traffic peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., often resulting in traffic backups, even with all toll lanes open. Drivers should consider crossing at off-peak times or prepare for delays.

Wide-load restrictions are in place in both directions for any vehicles wider than 10 feet during construction. Wider loads will be allowed to cross once per day between 7 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and traffic will be stopped for brief periods for those crossings.

Work will resume in late March 2025 with repaving of the two southbound lanes. The overall project is scheduled to be completed, with all lanes reopened, by May 22, 2025.

The MBA’s sole source of funding is from tolls and fees collected, with all revenue used to maintain, operate and protect the bridge. Live traffic camera views of the bridge, updates on bridge conditions, toll rates, and information on the MacPass program can all be found on the MBA website: www.MackinacBridge.org.

Could MI shift from fuel taxes to road user charges?

by orionontv | May 9, 2024 | Transportation

Could Michigan shift from fuel taxes to road user charges to fund roads? As lawmakers in the Legislature continue negotiations for the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, one addition specific to transportation involves a $5 million appropriation for a pilot program to assess replacing traditional fuel taxes with a mileage-based road usage fee. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/15039387-could-michigan-shift-from-fuel-taxes-to-road-user-charges-to-fund-roads This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast features another conversation with Baruch Feigenbaum, senior managing director of transportation policy for the Reason Foundation. Feigenbaum has done extensive study on the need for long-term changes to funding policy for roads and bridges. He’s also testified before legislative committees at the federal level and in several states. He recently told Michigan lawmakers that a fuel tax is akin to “a rock star on his farewell tour” as increased fuel efficiency diminishes returns on fuel taxes. Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205. Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

MDOT’s Transportation Career Pathways Program

by orionontv | Apr 22, 2024 | Transportation

MDOT’s Transportation Career Pathways Program
promotes career advancement in transportation

Fast facts:

• MDOT’s Transportation Career Pathways Program (TCPP) provides those interested in a transportation-related career with opportunities for hand-on experience.
• The TCPP runs from May through September.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the launch of its Transportation Career Pathways Program (TCPP), a dynamic initiative designed to equip individuals with hands-on experience and propel their careers forward in the transportation sector.

Running from May through September, the TCPP provides participants with the unique opportunity to explore various career paths, including transportation maintenance worker, transportation technician, and skilled trades helper positions. Through practical work and introduction to diverse transportation functions, participants will gain valuable skills and insights into this ever-evolving field. Participants must be 18 years old prior to the start of the program, possess a valid driver’s license, and will work 40 hours a week. Participants may join later in the season (most finish by September) and can expect to earn up to $17.50 an hour.

“The TCPP is an exceptional paid internship opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in transportation careers at MDOT,” said State Transportation Director Brad C. Wieferich. “This program empowers participants to build a strong foundation for their professional journeys while contributing to the continued development of our communities.”

The program is available in the following MDOT regions: Bay, North, Metro, Southwest, Superior, and University. For more information and to apply, go to www.Michigan.gov/TCPP.

Slow but steady progress to protect road workers

by orionontv | Apr 18, 2024 | Transportation

Slow but steady progress on legislation to protect road workers Late last month, a Michigan Senate committee advanced legislation to enable the use of automated technology to enforce speeding laws on segments of roads under construction. Pennsylvania became the latest to join dozens of other states employing the technology, with positive results. This week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast revisits the issue with conversations with two advocates for safer work zones. Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/14912046-slow-but-steady-progress-on-legislation-to-protect-road-workers First, Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), talks about how his experience in the underground and road construction industries have informed his views and passions for the protection of workers. Later, Juan Pava, Safety Programs Unit chief, Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering at the Illinois Department of Transportation, talks about his state’s pioneering role in implementing the use of cameras to deter drivers from speeding in work zones. Michigan House Bill 4132 passed the lower chamber in June 2023 with bipartisan support and received similar support in the Senate Transportation Committee last month. Key points: In 2006, Illinois became the first state to authorize the use of automated traffic enforcement programs to enforce speed limits in highway work zones, with implementation coming a few years later. The enabling legislation provided a legal framework for photo enforcement of speed limits in highway work zones. In summer 2022, some Michigan lawmakers, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials, leaders in labor organizations, and the road building industry witnessed demonstrations on Michigan freeways on how the technology works.