Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Apr. 8 the official start of Michigan’s 2026 road construction season, joining officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the road construction industry, Operating Engineers 324, and Wayne County in Livonia.
The announcement marks a significant step for infrastructure improvements across the state, as projects aim to repair key highways and support jobs while emphasizing safety for both workers and drivers.
In MDOT’s latest video news release, Whitmer reiterated her commitment to improving roads and supporting well-paying construction jobs. “Before I took office, Michiganders were dealing with bad roads and high costs,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I ran in 2018 to fix the damn roads because that’s what I heard from people in all 83 counties across Michigan.”
Whitmer toured the M-14 project in Plymouth Township, which is a $143 million investment focused on rebuilding M-14/I-96 from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road with major bridge work at the I-275 interchange. Nearly $84 million for this project comes from her Rebuilding Michigan program designed to address critical state highways and bridges vital to Michigan’s economy. The two-year project began in 2025; after a winter pause, work resumed this February with completion expected by year-end. According to economic modeling cited by officials, about 1,210 jobs will be supported directly or indirectly by this investment.
“Throughout the construction season, workers are going to be fixing roads all over the state,” said Whitmer. “I’m grateful for every mile you’ve fixed so far. These are dangerous jobs. So, drivers, when you hit the road this spring and summer, we ask that you slow down and pay attention. There’s Michiganders at work here.”
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges and various other transportation assets according to its official website. MDOT employs over 2,800 people statewide through seven regions and numerous service centers according to its official website. Its mission focuses on serving communities and strengthening connections throughout Michigan via transportation initiatives according to its official website.
Leadership at MDOT includes a director along with chief administrative officer and chief operations officer roles according to its official website. The department maintains an extensive system including M routes as well as interstate (I) and US routes while overseeing rail services, public transit programs, aviation efforts, non-motorized trails managements—plus upholding safety standards statewide according to its official website.
