Great Lakes Wire

Motorists in Iosco, Ogemaw, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Washtenaw counties should be aware of ongoing road projects when they are driving.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) is making the largest investment in state roads and bridges in Michigan’s history.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects will involve the M-55 bridge repair project in Iosco and Ogemaw counties, according to a press release from Whitmer's office. Other projects include the M-46 resurfacing project in Saginaw and Tuscola counties and more work on the M-17 resurfacing project in Washtenaw County. 

"Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save drivers time and money," Whitmer said. "These investments in Iosco, Ogemaw, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Washtenaw counties will support over 283 jobs and help drivers go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands safely. Since I took office through the end of 2022, we will have invested 70% more in our roads than the previous four years to fix over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs. 

"Both my Rebuilding Michigan Plan and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan are helping us build safe, reliable infrastructure that makes a difference for families and small business across the state. I hope you all like orange because you’ll be seeing a lot of cones and barrels this summer. I'm proud of what we have accomplished, so let's keep moving dirt and getting it done."

The work for the M-55 bridge repair project in Iosco and Ogemaw counties involves epoxy sealant, concrete barrier replacement, bridge foundation repair, deck patching, guardrail upgrades, and approach improvements for three bridges, at a projected cost of $711,000. "This work will protect the structural integrity and extend the service life of the bridges," the press release noted. 

The M-46 resurfacing project in Saginaw and Tuscola counties involves shoulder widening, pavement repairs, concrete curbs and gutters, guardrails, drainage improvements, and pavement markings. Approximately $10.3 million has been earmarked to resurface 10.5 miles of M-46 from Towerline Road in Saginaw County to Richville Road in Tuscola County. "This work will improve the driving surface of the road and extend the life of the roadway," according to the press release.

The next phase of the M-17 resurfacing project in Washtenaw County calls for $11 million to resurface M-17 between Huron Street and Summit Road. "This traffic configuration will increase safety for workers and motorists through this work zone," the press release said.