Great Lakes Wire

This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer authorized an executive directive that will allow the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to quickly advance state trunkline highway pothole repairs.

According to a news release, the executive directive allows MDOT to list which road surfaces need pothole repairs in order of importance and to analyze road conditions with funds appropriated by the Michigan Legislature.

"Potholes are dangerous and damage vehicles. The way to prevent this is to continue fixing the roads and bridges the right way the first time. Consistent with this Executive Directive, MDOT will use all the resources at our disposal, including overtime and contracted services, to repair them," said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. "When we are not clearing roads from the latest storm, our crews will be out fixing potholes as quickly as possible." 

Michigan State Police will engage in work-zone enforcement and other needed backup to facilitate roadway repairs in a safe fashion. Since taking office, Whitmer has created over 80,000 jobs by launching the renovation of over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges.

"Dealing with car damage from driving over potholes while on your way to work or school is frustrating for every Michigander. No family should have to spend their hard-earned money on repairing a flat tire or a broken axle caused by these potholes," said Gov. Whitmer. "That's why I'm directing the state transportation department to speed up pothole repairs. We're kicking this into overdrive, using overtime pay and contractors to get the job done, while we continue broader improvement projects across the state.”

Whitmer added that she will keep working on repairing damaged roads and investing in the state’s infrastructure. 

According to the news release, a Bridge Bundling program headed by MDOT is expected to begin rebuilding 19 locally owned bridges this month. There is also $6.3 billion in the 2023 budget proposal for local roads, bridges, airports, transit and rail programs, which would account for the biggest appreciation for infrastructure in the history of the state. 

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