Get ready for a busy Fourth of July weekend in Michigan! AAA estimates that over 2.6 million residents will be hitting the road, setting a record for the second year in a row. To help ease traffic congestion during the holiday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be suspending construction activities on most highways. While lane restrictions will be removed from 105 out of 174 projects statewide, drivers should be aware that some equipment and traffic configurations may still be in place, such as temporary shifts or shoulder closures.
“We’ve pulled back the barrels as much as we can for the holiday weekend but we couldn’t do it for every project,” said Brad Wieferich, Michigan’s transportation director. “We thank drivers for continuing to show patience behind the wheel and following all posted speed limits in work zones.” MDOT oversees routes designated I, M, and US and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, which carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and approximately 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan.
One significant closure in Oakland County is the Westbound I-75 Business Loop (Square Lake Road), which is closed and detoured from M-1 (Woodward Avenue) to I-75. The Oakland County Road Commission is also joining in the effort to improve traffic flow, suspending most road work from 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, until 6 a.m. on Monday, July 8. “The road commission wants to ensure that its roads are as free of obstructions as possible during this period because of the increased traffic we typically see on a holiday,” said Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “That should help to ensure safe and convenient travel for motorists in Oakland County.”
While the majority of construction projects will be suspended, some roads will remain closed or partially closed to traffic. Motorists are urged to be aware of these closures and plan their routes accordingly. Despite the efforts to minimize disruptions, holiday travelers should anticipate heavy traffic and delays. Be prepared for longer travel times and consider adjusting your travel schedule if possible. Remember to drive safely and be courteous to other drivers on the road.
