LANSING, Mich. — In anticipation of increased holiday travel this Memorial Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a suspension or alteration of work on a majority of its ongoing road projects statewide.
According to MDOT, 92 out of 158 active construction projects will experience some level of adjustment to accommodate the expected surge in travelers. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that over 1.3 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday, marking a slight increase from last year’s figures.
While some equipment and traffic configurations will remain in place, the suspension of construction activities aims to improve safety conditions for both road workers and motorists navigating the state’s highways and streets.
“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to grow our economy, helping Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school and run errands safely,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer in a statement released to the media.
State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich echoed the importance of safety and patience during the holiday period. “Everyone at MDOT fully understands how frustrating construction can be for drivers, but for everyone’s safety in work zones, including your own, follow the law, be patient and help make sure everyone makes it home each and every night. Road workers and the ones you love are all counting on you,” Wieferich said.
Travelers are encouraged to check the MDOT website for a full list of work zones that will remain active or continue to have lane restrictions over the holiday weekend.
By temporarily halting or modifying road work, MDOT hopes to provide smoother, safer travel as Michigan residents take to the roads for Memorial Day.
