Gretchen Whitmer has officially kicked off the 2026 construction season in Michigan, unveiling a major road funding plan aimed at improving infrastructure, creating jobs and easing travel for motorists across the state.
The announcement came during a tour of an ongoing highway project along M-14 in Plymouth, where Whitmer emphasized the impact of a bipartisan investment that will inject $2 billion into state and local road systems.
"It's a big deal, and it's going to be making a big difference in people's lives. It means a safer, smoother drive to work, school, or the store, fewer tires popped, axles broken or cracked rims. It means more time to be where you want to be instead of being stuck on the side of a road waiting for a tow, and it means thousands more good paying union jobs for Michigan. So at a time when people are struggling with the high cost of essentials like gas and groceries, this road's deal will help put more money back in people's pockets," said Whitmer.
Whitmer described the funding initiative as long overdue, noting that Michigan’s infrastructure has suffered from years of underinvestment.
"It's never done. You're always rebuilding, and we let it go for so long without a real, you know, infusion of sustainable dollars, and so this represents a big step forward," she said.
The investment is expected to support a wide range of projects, including highway reconstruction, bridge repairs and drainage improvements. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the M-14/I-96 project alone represents a $143 million investment and is projected to support more than 1,200 jobs.
The project includes rebuilding approximately four miles of highway, rehabilitating 17 bridges and installing new sewer infrastructure to improve drainage—key upgrades that aim to extend the lifespan of critical transportation corridors.
State transportation officials are warning drivers to prepare for widespread construction impacts as warmer weather accelerates project timelines across metro Detroit.
"Everybody likes spring, right? Everybody likes winter being done. BUT, you know what that means, here in metro Detroit, anyway. It means we're gonna have construction season," said Diane Cross, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Transportation. "And a lot of work can be done during cold weather, things like removal of old concrete, asphalt, that kind of thing can be done, but most of the work needs warmer weather, and so we've actually been working for a good month or so and now it will really ramp up as drivers will find as they drive throughout metro Detroit."
Cross added that construction activity will be widespread, particularly in Wayne and Oakland counties.
"We've got a little bit of everything going on, mostly in Wayne and Oakland counties, and so, wherever you are driving, chances are you're going to be impacted by construction," she said.
Officials noted that the M-14 project is already more than 60% complete. Work in 2026 will focus on westbound lanes, including the median and all travel lanes.
"This year's work will focus on the westbound direction of M-14, and including the median and all of the lanes. We anticipate substantial completion to be at the end of this year with restoration to be in the spring of next year," said Adam Penzenstadler with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
As construction activity intensifies, officials are urging motorists to remain cautious, follow posted signage and plan for delays throughout the season.
Originally reported by WXYZ Web Team in WXYZ.
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