Michigan's construction season kicks off July 7: Here's where orange barrels will line the roads

As the holiday weekend comes to a close, Michigan residents are preparing for a return to work and daily routines. With this transition comes the resumption of numerous construction projects across the state, as crews gear up to continue critical infrastructure improvements.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "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." She further noted that by the end of the construction season, nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges will have been fixed, repaired, or replaced, all while supporting thousands of local jobs without increasing taxes.

To accommodate holiday travel, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) had removed lane restrictions for 110 out of 179 projects (61%) statewide from July 3 until the morning of July 7. Now that the holiday has passed, workers are returning to these sites to resume progress on vital upgrades.

AAA estimated that more than 2.6 million Michigan residents would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day weekend, marking a 3% increase from 2024 and setting a new record. This surge in travel underscores the importance of maintaining and improving roadways to ensure safe and efficient transportation for both residents and visitors.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key construction projects set to begin this week:

Major Road Projects Underway

• M-43 (Saginaw Highway), Eaton County: Starting July 8, maintenance work on culvert lining will take place near Lansing through August 15. The $1 million project aims to preserve the structural integrity of the roadway.

• M-100, Eaton County: Resurfacing between I-96 and Doane Highway begins July 7 and concludes August 15. Intermittent single-lane closures will be in effect, with delays expected. Drivers are advised to consider alternative routes.

• M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive): From July 8–14, lane closures will occur between 24th Avenue and M-11 (Wilson Avenue) for a $2 million resurfacing initiative.

• Interstate 94, Washtenaw County: Closures are planned from July 7–9. Westbound traffic between Zeeb Road and Baker Road will be affected, along with the north/southbound Zeeb Road ramp. Detours will direct traffic via westbound Jackson Avenue and northbound Baker Road.

• 140th Avenue Bridge, Allegan County: A $420,000 repair effort starts July 7 following damage caused by an oversized load. Repairs to the fascia beam and bridge deck are expected to conclude in September 2025.

• U.S. 131, Allegan County: Lane closures between 120th and 133rd avenues will occur from July 7–10 for road improvements.

• M-89 (Lincoln Road): A $1.3 million investment will cover nearly seven miles of roadwork from Allegan to Otsego, including chip sealing, joint repair, and crack sealing. Work is scheduled through September 2025.

• M-37 (Broadmoor Avenue), Kentwood: Southbound lanes will close between 44th Street and Patterson Avenue to facilitate road reconstruction through mid-October 2025.

• U.S. 12 and M-99 (Evans Street): Single-lane closures start July 7 for a $3 million “road diet” converting five lanes to three. The project includes resurfacing, ADA-compliant sidewalks, lighting, bike lanes, and trail crossings.

• I-96 Exit 101 to M-99, Ingham County: The exit will close from July 7 to August 1 for ramp resurfacing as part of a larger $15 million effort to rebuild M-99.

For real-time updates on closures and detours, MDOT offers a comprehensive online tool detailing all ongoing construction activities across the state. This resource ensures drivers can plan their commutes effectively and stay informed about changing conditions.

These projects represent a significant commitment to modernizing Michigan’s infrastructure and enhancing mobility for all users. As construction ramps back up, travelers should remain vigilant and plan accordingly for potential delays.