Even as fall sets in across Michigan, road construction efforts are continuing at full speed. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is launching several new infrastructure projects this week as part of a statewide push to complete critical repairs before winter weather arrives.
"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 Gov. Gretchen 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."
MDOT has announced the following construction updates, with lane closures and detours scheduled to begin this week:
Starting Sept. 30, one eastbound lane will be closed daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. This is part of an ongoing project to complete high-friction surface treatments for improved safety.
The eastbound and westbound Jackson Avenue ramps leading to eastbound I-94 will also be closed during the same hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday).
On Sept. 29, MDOT will close the roundabout located southeast of I-94. The work is part of the long-term $162 million reconstruction of I-94 in Jackson County.
These closures may affect commuters, freight carriers, school traffic, and emergency services temporarily, with detours expected to be posted in advance.
MDOT encourages residents to monitor construction impacts through its official traffic and construction map, which tracks lane closures, detours, bridge work, resurfacing, and long-term projects across the state.
The interactive online resource allows drivers to plan travel ahead of scheduled maintenance and avoid bottlenecks.
MDOT is reinforcing safe driving practices as seasonal construction surges continue through October. Tips include:
Lane shifts, speed reductions, and unexpected worker or equipment movement are common in active zones.
Drivers are urged to avoid phone use and stay alert.
Traffic crews and signage direct vehicles safely through constrained work areas.
Michigan doubles fines for speeding in work zones.
Sudden stops and lane changes may occur; watch brake lights ahead.
Road work is temporary and intended to improve long-term travel.
With Michigan winters quickly approaching, MDOT crews are racing to complete surface treatments, bridge fixes, and lane repairs before freezing conditions delay work. The combination of federal and state infrastructure funding in recent years has accelerated timelines, with 2025 shaping up to be one of the most active construction seasons in over a decade.
Originally reported by Jalen Williams in Detroit Free Press.
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