Many Michiganders joke that the orange barrel should be the state mascot, with the state Department of Transportation struggling to keep up with road repairs.
According to the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, the 2023 budget for the Highway Program includes $522 million for trunkline modernization, $589 million for bridge replacement and $1.6 billion for road preservation.
Here’s where to expect traffic snarls and detours this year so motorists can plan ahead:
Oakland County
What: According to the Road Commission for Oakland County, two major projects are currently underway in Novi, Lyon Township and Wixom.
Where: The first project is located at 10 Mile Road in Novi from Meadowbrook Road to Haggerty Road. The second is located at Grand River Avenue in Lyon Township and Wixom from Napier Road to Wixom Road.
How long: Both projects are anticipated for completion in fall 2023.
Impact: 10 Mile Road is closed to traffic in both directions.
Detour: Traffic can use Novi Road to Grand River Ave. to Haggerty Road.
Macomb County
What: According to the Macomb County 2023 Road Projects, much is in store for the rest of the year. They have 26 projects planned for bridge and road repairs throughout the year.
Where: Currently, 23 Mile Road is being widened from two lanes to five in Shelby Township. Mound Road is also under construction between I-696 and M-59.
How long: The 23 Mile Road completion is estimated for November. The Mound Road project will be completed in 2024.
Impact: According to WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), the Mound Road project impacts 19,000 to 47,000 drivers per day.
Detour: No detour is currently necessary, as utility workers are only completing short-term lane closure labor.
Wayne County
What: Also according to WXYZ, Merriman Road is closed between Warren Road and Hawthorne Drive for two bridge replacements. The first replacement is over Hines Drive and the second is over the Rouge River.
Where: The project is located in Westland near Hines Drive.
How long: The project began on Jan. 9 and is expected to be completed by fall.
Impact: Merriman Road is a central path for metro Detroiters commuting across the city.
Detour: Roads such as Warren, Middlebelt, Joy and Inkster will help to avoid construction.
This article appeared in the Detroit Free Press. To read more, click here.