Michigan Memorial Day Travel – 92 Road Projects Suspended to Ease Traffic

Michigan’s MDOT suspends lane restrictions on 92 of 158 projects for Memorial Day weekend travel, anticipating 1.3 million residents traveling. Safety remains a priority, urging drivers to stay cautious amid ongoing construction in select areas.

MDOT suspends lane restrictions on 60% of projects statewide to accommodate the anticipated surge in Michigan Memorial Day travel as 1.3 million residents plan holiday trips.

MDOT Lifts Traffic Restrictions to Ease Memorial Day Travel

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is suspending lane restrictions on 92 of its 158 road and bridge projects statewide from 3 p.m. Friday, May 23, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, to accommodate the anticipated surge in Michigan Memorial Day travel this weekend. This move aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety for motorists during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to AAA, approximately 1.3 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday weekend, marking a slight increase from last year and the second-highest forecast since AAA began tracking holiday traffic.

Governor Whitmer Highlights Infrastructure Progress

Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the state’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, stating, “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.” She noted that by the end of the construction season, nearly 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges will have been fixed, repaired, or replaced without raising taxes. Michigan

Safety Remains a Priority Amid Construction Suspensions

While MDOT is lifting restrictions on many projects, some equipment and traffic configurations will remain in place over the weekend. State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich urged drivers to exercise caution, stating, “Everyone at MDOT fully understands how frustrating construction can be for drivers, but for everyone’s safety in work zones, including your own, follow the law, be patient and help make sure everyone makes it home each and every night.”

Notable Work Zones Remaining Active

Despite the suspension of many lane restrictions, certain projects will continue due to safety and logistical considerations. In the Upper Peninsula, I-75 in St. Ignace will have northbound traffic shifted to the southbound side at Cheeseman Road. In the Northern Lower Peninsula, the Mackinac Bridge will have one lane open in each direction. West Michigan projects include lane closures on I-96 in Ionia County and US-131 in Grand Rapids. In Southwest Michigan, I-94 in Berrien County will have two lanes open in each direction between mile markers 34 and 42. Central Michigan and the Thumb region will see ongoing work on I-75 at the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw County, where all southbound lanes are closed from Crane Road to Bay City. In Metro Detroit, eastbound I-696 is closed from M-10 to I-75.

Travel Tips for Motorists

MDOT advises travelers to plan ahead and stay informed about current road conditions. Motorists can access real-time information on traffic and construction projects through the Mi Drive website at www.Michigan.gov/Drive. Additionally, drivers are reminded to buckle up, stay alert, and avoid distractions at all times when driving.

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