FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

April 14, 2025 

Contact: [email protected] 

Governor Whitmer Continues to Fix the Damn Roads with Projects Starting This Week in Muskegon, Otsego, Emmet, Onekama, Manistee, Berrien, and Chippewa Counties 

LANSING, Mich. —  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin bridge and road repairs this week in Muskegon, Otsego, Emmet, Manistee, Berrien, and Chippewa Counties. Based on economic modeling, these investments are expected to support 201 jobs.  

“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,” said Governor Whitmer. “By the end of this construction season, we will have fixed, repaired, or replaced nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges, supporting thousands of good-paying, local jobs without raising taxes by a dime. This year, let’s build on our momentum to pass a bipartisan local road funding plan, so we can keep fixing our damn roads and creating good-paying, local jobs.”  

M-123 Bridge Repairs in Chippewa County 

MDOT is investing about $500,000 to repair and rebuild the M-123 bridge over the Tahquamenon River in Chippewa County. Work will include joint replacement, deck patching and substructure patching. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support five jobs.   

M-46 Improvements and Lane Closures in Muskegon County 

MDOT is investing approximately $9 million to resurface seven miles of M-46 (Apple Avenue) from US-31 to Maple Island Road in Muskegon County. The project also includes storm sewer improvements, and sidewalks upgraded to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Based on economic modeling, this $9 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 86 jobs.    

“Investing in updating roads and infrastructure is not only crucial to keeping people safe, and creating stronger communities, but these investments also create new jobs for hardworking families,” said state Representative Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). “This project supports 86 jobs and will ensure this central roadway can continue to serve local businesses and workers for decades to come by delivering a smoother, safer ride for drivers.” 

M-22 Resurfacing in Onekama and Manistee Counties 

MDOT will invest $4.5 million to resurface nearly 12 miles of M-22 in Manistee County from 8 Mile Road in the village of Onekama north to Norman Road north of Arcadia. The project also will include new concrete curb, gutter and sidewalks. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 43 jobs. 

M-139 Repaving Project in Berrien County 

MDOT and contractor Rieth-Riley Construction Co. Inc. will start work next week to repave 3.6 miles of M-139 from Deans Hill Road to Hinchman Road.   

The $2.7 million investment includes asphalt repaving, a new pedestrian refuge west of Kephart Lane, concrete sidewalk ramp upgrades and new pavement markings. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 26 jobs.    

Vibrant downtowns and local economies cannot exist without dependable, safe roads and sidewalks — this is more than a repaving project, it is an investment in the longevity of local businesses across Berrien County,” said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “I look forward to seeing safer commutes for drivers and pedestrians who depend on M-139, as well as increased accessibility to the businesses along this important roadway. I will continue working with my colleagues to fund more long-term investments in our road infrastructure.”   

I-75 Streetscape Work, Lighting Installation in Otsego County 

MDOT will resume decorative lighting and streetscape work on I-75 Business Loop (BL) (South Otsego Avenue) in Gaylord from Wisconsin Avenue/Grandview Boulevard to the south I-75 interchange (Exit 279), following the 2024 rebuilding project. Work will include plantings, watering and cultivating, and decorative lighting installation.      

US-31 Resurfacing in Emmet County 

MDOT will invest nearly $4.3 million to resurface 10.2 miles of US-31 from Graham Road to Blumke Road through the village of Oden, and from Milton Road to Douglas Lake Road in the village of Pellston. The project will include pedestrian accessibility improvements and concrete curb and gutter replacements along the route. A separate maintenance project will resurface 450 feet of US-31 from Graham Road south over the Crooked Lake outlet. Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 41 jobs.   

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