By Staff
LANSING – As summer's end draws near, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is suspending work on 144 of 163 projects statewide for the Labor Day weekend to help make travel easier.
Beginning at 3 p.m. today and continuing until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, MDOT is suspending road work wherever possible, in anticipation of the 1.1 million motorists that AAA Michigan estimates will travel Michigan roads for the holiday.
"With schools not starting until after the Labor Day weekend, we know many families take advantage of this last summer weekend and get in that one final trip to enjoy the many recreational opportunities here in Michigan," said MDOT Director Kirk T. Steudle.
"We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely. So, even if there isn't any work taking place in the work zones, drivers need to be alert because some detours and lane restrictions will still be in place. Everyone in the vehicle should be buckled up, and drivers need to avoid distractions both outside and within the vehicle."
Highway construction zones with "Where Workers Present 45" signs require motorists to reduce their speed to 45 mph where workers are present.
The posted speed limit can be maintained, except when in the vicinity of workers. This change has helped reduce the number of work zone crashes, while improving traffic flow.
MDOT is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways which carry approximately 80 percent of all motor vehicle travel in Michigan.
While construction zones may be closed for the holiday, motorists can expect to see safety belt enforcement zones in full swing across the state.
Motorists are advised to buckle up to save a ticket, and possibly someone's life.
For up-to-date information, go to the list of statewide lane closures on MDOT's Web site at www.michigan.gov/laneclosures.
Following is a list of work zones that will remain active, or have lane restrictions, during the Labor Day weekend.
If necessary, detour routes will be posted at the project location. There are 50 projects with some restrictions in southwest Michigan, including:
I-94 in Calhoun County east of Marshall will have one lane open in each direction.
US-12 in Sturgis from Centreville Road to East Franks Street will have one lane open in each direction. The center left-turn lane will be closed.
I-94 from Westnedge Avenue to 9th Street in Kalamazoo will have two lanes in each direction open.
Closed I-94/US-131 ramps in Kalamazoo (detours are posted): Southbound US-131 to westbound I-94; Northbound US-131 to westbound I-94; Eastbound I-94 to northbound US-131; Westbound I-94 to southbound US-13.