FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

March 31, 2025 

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Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Osceola, Kent, Montcalm, and Mackinac Counties 

LANSING, Mich. —  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin bridge, road, and culvert repairs this week in Osceola, Kent, Montcalm, and Mackinac counties. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 468 jobs.  

“Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to drive economic activity, help Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “By the end of this construction season, we will have fixed, repaired, or replaced nearly 24,500 lane miles and 1,900 bridges, supporting thousands of good-paying, local jobs without raising taxes by a dime. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and pass a bipartisan road funding plan, so we can keep fixing the damn roads and creating jobs right here at home.”  

Bridge Replacement and Improvements On M-66 in Osceola County 

MDOT is investing approximately $5 million to replace the M-66 bridge over Doc and Tom Creek and improve the M-66 bridge over the Muskegon River. Work includes epoxy overlay, substructure repair, joint replacement, steel repair, painting, riprap and approach work. Based on economic modeling, this $5 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 48 jobs. 

I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue Interchange Rebuilding Project in Kent County 

In partnership with the City of Walker, MDOT is investing approximately $30 million to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. The project will replace the original 1961 Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 and rebuild the interchange. This also includes a new nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides. Based on economic modeling, this $30 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 286 jobs. 

Governor Whitmer signed legislation approving a $25 million grant to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in west Michigan. 

“The area surrounding the Fruitridge interchange has seen explosive growth in both housing and industry over the last few years,” said state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker). “This much-needed project is a great example of federal, state, and local government partnership. Together, we’re not just fixing the roads, we’re adding improvements that support local trail connections and pedestrian safety. This is a catalyst for economic development and increased quality of life that will benefit the region for decades to come.”   

US-131 Culvert Replacement in Montcalm County 

The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $5 million to replace the culvert on US-131 over County Drain 102 just south of Pierson Road. Work also includes asphalt approach rebuilding and new guardrail. Based on economic modeling, this $5 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 48 jobs. 

I-75 Overpass Work in Mackinac County 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing about $9 million to rebuild overpasses, including deck replacement, bearing replacement, substructure repairs, beam end repairs, steel cleaning and coating, and approach work on I-75 at Cheeseman Road in the city of St. Ignace, Mackinac County. This project is scheduled to be completed in two years, with work on northbound I-75 to be completed in 2025 and southbound I-75 in the 2026 season. No work will occur during winter shutdown periods.   

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