LANSING, Mich — Orange construction barrels have been popping up around Michigan faster than flowers this spring and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is urging drivers to be patient and drive safely.
MDOT Director Bradley Wieferich says the department has been hearing frustrations and concerns from drivers who feel like there is too much construction happening at the same time.
"We're hearing from drivers saying they wanted the roads fixed, but not every road at the same time," said Wieferich. "Like you, I and the other men and women at MDOT drive these roads and confront these same delays, but we're committed to improving infrastructure in the state of Michigan."
The transportation department is pointing to a historic level of investment from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan bond funding program and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as the reason behind the increased level of construction.
MDOT says they have been able to "significantly bolster existing programs, adding crucial and long-term improvements to many state roads and bridges."
But with this historic level of funding—that Wieferich is calling "once in a lifetime"—comes delays and backups through construction projects across the state.
So Wieferich is asking for patience as Michigan is finally starting to see improvements to roads and bridges that have been long needed.
"Please know it will be worth the wait, and please slow down and pay attention in work zones for your safety and for the hard-working men and women employed by the road-building industry to complete this work," Wieferich said.
MDOT and Wieferich made a video about road work patience that you can view here:
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