Michigan Notes

[JREwing78]

This would be a change in SOP for flex lanes in Michigan; the ones on US-23 and I-96 were in the median, which seemed to work well enough.

It's not immediately clear why MDOT is electing for right-shoulder lanes. It makes the merge points for the various interchanges more murky. It makes the right shoulder useless as a breakdown area (the median isn't supposed to be used in this fashion whether or not it's used for "flex lanes"). There's plenty of median width throughout the section to use that instead.

[Terry Shea]

I found this on an engineering website, but it looks like MDOT is planning on putting flex lanes on U.S. 131 between I-96 and Post Drive. The project would beef up the right shoulder and include bridge widenings and ITS upgrades. I believe this project is supposed to start next year.

The US-131 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running project is a significant initiative aimed at improving roadway efficiency from I-96 to Post Drive, encompassing ITS upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and widening, pavement markings, and signing. The project is divided into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Environmental Studies and Preliminary Engineering (EPE), Design Survey, Development of Plans to 30% Completion Value Engineering (VE) successfully completed services for Phase 1 of the project, focusing on developing comprehensive MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) concepts, analyzing crash investigation sites, and establishing a Mentor-Protégé Plan. VE's accomplishments included active participation in training programs aimed at enhancing expertise in relevant areas, such as MicroStation ORD, base plans workshops, Bentley Learn trainings, work planning sessions, document control, PQS/specs/estimates, and design standards for Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running.

https://www.val-engineering.com/us-131-flex-lane.html

They need to add 1 lane in each direction to at least 17 Mile Rd.

[michiganguy123]

I found this on an engineering website, but it looks like MDOT is planning on putting flex lanes on U.S. 131 between I-96 and Post Drive. The project would beef up the right shoulder and include bridge widenings and ITS upgrades. I believe this project is supposed to start next year.

The US-131 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running project is a significant initiative aimed at improving roadway efficiency from I-96 to Post Drive, encompassing ITS upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and widening, pavement markings, and signing. The project is divided into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Environmental Studies and Preliminary Engineering (EPE), Design Survey, Development of Plans to 30% Completion Value Engineering (VE) successfully completed services for Phase 1 of the project, focusing on developing comprehensive MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) concepts, analyzing crash investigation sites, and establishing a Mentor-Protégé Plan. VE's accomplishments included active participation in training programs aimed at enhancing expertise in relevant areas, such as MicroStation ORD, base plans workshops, Bentley Learn trainings, work planning sessions, document control, PQS/specs/estimates, and design standards for Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running.

https://www.val-engineering.com/us-131-flex-lane.html

Pretty much all the bridges have been upgraded already. (except maybe one)

[afguy]

Michigan may spend $7.8M to test pay-per-mile road funding system

Michigan sought to secure funding to test a pay-per-mile system last year as a possible fuel tax replacement to fund its roads, but was unsuccessful after its federal grant application was denied. Transportation officials continued to call for a pilot, and the governor appears willing to oblige. Earlier this month she included $7.8 million in her budget to "explore road funding options." Specifically, Whitmer proposed a study and pilot of "potential road usage charge revenue options to provide a stable future base of support for Michigan's transportation network."
Road usage charge systems typically shift how drivers pay for roads, from a tax at the pump, to a fee for how many miles they drive. Proponents say it's a more equitable system because it accounts for more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles that may not be options for all residents.

https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2025/02/michigan-may-spend-78m-to-test-pay-per-mile-road-funding-system.html#:~:text=Earlier%20this%20month%20she%20included,support%20for%20Michigan's%20transportation%20network.%E2%80%9D

[The Ghostbuster]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

[michiganguy123]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

[Rothman]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

Yes.

[Flint1979]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No

[wanderer2575]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

Define "benefit" -- lowest tax cost, or adequate roads?  The idea is to find an (a) equitable mechanism to (b) obtain enough money for road needs.  I'm not happy about my taxes increasing either, but the costs of everything those taxes pay for are increasing.  If all that concerns you is which option results in your paying the lowest gas tax, don't complain about crumbling bridges or that I-94 and US-23 aren't being widened.

[michiganguy123]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

Define "benefit" -- lowest tax cost, or adequate roads?  The idea is to find an (a) equitable mechanism to (b) obtain enough money for road needs.  I'm not happy about my taxes increasing either, but the costs of everything those taxes pay for are increasing.  If all that concerns you is which option results in your paying the lowest gas tax, don't complain about crumbling bridges or that I-94 and US-23 aren't being widened.

If they want more money for the roads either increase the gas tax or use the sales tax on gas for the roads don't waste money on useless studies for pay by mile.
Still haven't gotten my free $10 survey gift card lol

[rhen_var]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

Define "benefit" -- lowest tax cost, or adequate roads?  The idea is to find an (a) equitable mechanism to (b) obtain enough money for road needs.  I'm not happy about my taxes increasing either, but the costs of everything those taxes pay for are increasing.  If all that concerns you is which option results in your paying the lowest gas tax, don't complain about crumbling bridges or that I-94 and US-23 aren't being widened.

If they want more money for the roads either increase the gas tax or use the sales tax on gas for the roads don't waste money on useless studies for pay by mile.
Still haven't gotten my free $10 survey gift card lol

So electric vehicles just shouldn't have to contribute towards road maintenance costs at all?

[michiganguy123]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

Define "benefit" -- lowest tax cost, or adequate roads?  The idea is to find an (a) equitable mechanism to (b) obtain enough money for road needs.  I'm not happy about my taxes increasing either, but the costs of everything those taxes pay for are increasing.  If all that concerns you is which option results in your paying the lowest gas tax, don't complain about crumbling bridges or that I-94 and US-23 aren't being widened.

If they want more money for the roads either increase the gas tax or use the sales tax on gas for the roads don't waste money on useless studies for pay by mile.
Still haven't gotten my free $10 survey gift card lol

So electric vehicles just shouldn't have to contribute towards road maintenance costs at all?

Here's an idea, ONLY force the electric vehicles to use the pay by mile system, most electric cars already have a ridiculously advanced computer system anyway so it won't be too hard compared to other cars.

[JREwing78]

If they want more money for the roads either increase the gas tax or use the sales tax on gas for the roads don't waste money on useless studies for pay by mile.
Still haven't gotten my free $10 survey gift card lol

So electric vehicles just shouldn't have to contribute towards road maintenance costs at all?

Here's an idea, ONLY force the electric vehicles to use the pay by mile system, most electric cars already have a ridiculously advanced computer system anyway so it won't be too hard compared to other cars.

What do you do with hybrids or vehicles with range extenders? Do they get a (nearly) free pass because they sometimes fill up with gasoline? Do they get a double-whammy with a pay-by-mile AND fuel taxes?

In all of these scenarios, you're in direct control of how much you pay. If it's too expensive, you drive less.

[afguy]

US-131 interchange expansion underway in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and contractor Anlaan Corp. have begun work to expand the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route (BR) north of Kalamazoo, adding new ramps from northbound US-131 to US-131 BR, and from US-131 BR to southbound US-131.

The $19 million investment began earlier this week and will improve US-131 access for residents and businesses. Each of the new ramps will require a new bridge; that work is expected to be completed in November.

There will be single-lane closures on US-131 and US-131 BR, but both highways will remain open to traffic in both directions for a majority of the project. Work will require total closures for five weekends, and traffic will follow posted detours. Those closures will be announced when the exact dates are known.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2025/02/28/us-131-interchange-expansion-underway-in-kalamazoo

[rhen_var]

I believe the state of Oregon undertook a similar pay-per-mile pilot program. Would any of you support a pay-per-mile fee if one was proposed in your state to replace the gas tax fee?

No. I crunched the numbers and it would end up costing more for my lightweight civic.

I'm seeing 3-5 cents per mile

I get around 30mpg average - Current gas tax is $0.31 per gallon divided by 30 = ~$0.01 per mile

It would basically increase the gas tax to $0.90/gallon (0.03) - $1.50/gallon (0.05)

In order for anyone to benefit from this change you would need a vehicle that gets less than 6-10 miles to the gallon

Some could argue massive pickup trucks shouldn't have to pay much but I think if you own a vehicle that's 3x heavier than mine you can afford to pay for the additional damage caused to the roads.

Define "benefit" -- lowest tax cost, or adequate roads?  The idea is to find an (a) equitable mechanism to (b) obtain enough money for road needs.  I'm not happy about my taxes increasing either, but the costs of everything those taxes pay for are increasing.  If all that concerns you is which option results in your paying the lowest gas tax, don't complain about crumbling bridges or that I-94 and US-23 aren't being widened.

If they want more money for the roads either increase the gas tax or use the sales tax on gas for the roads don't waste money on useless studies for pay by mile.
Still haven't gotten my free $10 survey gift card lol

So electric vehicles just shouldn't have to contribute towards road maintenance costs at all?

Here's an idea, ONLY force the electric vehicles to use the pay by mile system, most electric cars already have a ridiculously advanced computer system anyway so it won't be too hard compared to other cars.

So you do think there should be a pay-by-mile system then?  If so, then they need to do a study on it.

[KelleyCook]

US-131 interchange expansion underway in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and contractor Anlaan Corp. have begun work to expand the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route (BR) north of Kalamazoo, adding new ramps from northbound US-131 to US-131 BR, and from US-131 BR to southbound US-131.

The $19 million investment began earlier this week and will improve US-131 access for residents and businesses. Each of the new ramps will require a new bridge; that work is expected to be completed in November.

There will be single-lane closures on US-131 and US-131 BR, but both highways will remain open to traffic in both directions for a majority of the project. Work will require total closures for five weekends, and traffic will follow posted detours. Those closures will be announced when the exact dates are known.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2025/02/28/us-131-interchange-expansion-underway-in-kalamazoo

Rant time.

These new style MDOT press releases are absolutely useless. Everyone is the same. A tiny one or two sentence description of what they plan to do. A sentence on the cost and why this investment will help business and residence. And then who is sponsoring it and how many fake jobs it will create.

A few pictures could be worth a thousands words.  Even a link to a standard undetailed brochure they still create. Instead each and every one give one hyperlink to the location in the ancient**  MIdrive traffic/accident map which of course adds nothing to what they actually plan to do.

** rant2 secondly instead of that mediocre MIDrive website, I have no idea why Michigan doesn't contract to the pretty decent <state name>511 system like everyone else does).

[afguy]

Work is finally starting this year on the Marshall Modernization project for Ford's battery plant. This year's work includes widening M-96 to a four-lane boulevard between I-69 and Eden Street, adding an auxiliary lane to NB I-69 between M-96 and I-94 and rebuilding the I-69/M-96 Interchange.

MDOT open house on March 11 for Marshall Modernization Project work this year

As part of this year's Marshall Modernization Project work, MDOT will be rebuilding Michigan Avenue, expanding from two lanes to a four-lane boulevard from I-69 to Eden Street. Work also will include rebuilding the I-69 interchange at Michigan Avenue and building an auxiliary northbound lane on I-69 between Michigan Avenue and I-94.

MDOT will be reviewing all of this year's work for the project as well as options for rebuilding the M-311/I-94 interchange, proposed traffic management for this year's work, and proposed detour routes for rebuilding the I-69 interchange at Michigan Avenue.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2025/03/04/mdot-open-house-on-march-11-for-marshall-modernization-project-work-this-year

[74/171FAN]

(For M-30 over US 10)  M-30 bridge replacement begins March 17 in Sanford

[afguy]

There are two plans to fix Michigan's roads. Will either happen?

In Lansing Thursday, Speaker of the House Matt Hall unveiled Republicans' plan to fix local roads. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, issued her proposal last month. Republicans' plan calls for all tax money collected at the pump to go to roads. The governor has said the same. But diverting all that revenue to roads means that some allocated dollars, including to education, would have to come from somewhere else. Hall said the money for schools would get made up — but in a release did not specify from where it would come.

The Republican plan would take a billion dollars out of a favorite project of the governor's: economic development and incentives. The governor's plan would tax corporations — specifying "big tech" — to fund the roads, but she hasn't explained what that tax would look like.

Both the governor and House Republicans want to find areas within the budget to cut spending, but the two sides would have to agree on what spending is expendable. That could be a long negotiation.

https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/there-are-two-plans-to-fix-michigans-roads-will-either-happen/

[Flint1979]

The southbound lanes of the Zilwaukee Bridge will be closing for 10 weeks starting on April 14th with a planned reopening of June 27th. Then work on the northbound lanes will begin after that and also last 10 weeks. Use I-675 for the detour.

I-675 has been used multiple times over the years as a detour around the bridge, it was built to bypass the original bridge and better serve downtown Saginaw.

[Terry Shea]

The southbound lanes of the Zilwaukee Bridge will be closing for 10 weeks starting on April 14th with a planned reopening of June 27th. Then work on the northbound lanes will begin after that and also last 10 weeks. Use I-675 for the detour.

I-675 has been used multiple times over the years as a detour around the bridge, it was built to bypass the original bridge and better serve downtown Saginaw.

Yeah, that's going to be quite a mess!

[wanderer2575]

I've forgotten to mention that I did e-mail MDOT about the planned new business route signage in Clare County (post #1995) and I received a prompt reply from the Operations Engineer out of the Mount Pleasant TSC.

The guiding principles we are using for this signing upgrade project include being in alignment with the new MUTCD (the MMUTCD is still being updated) which includes:

• Minimizing overlapping route marker signing when possible.
• Prioritizing longer or more prominent routes for exiting signs when there is a shared or overlapping route.
• Reducing the units of information (driver and information overload) per sign and spreading information when possible.

We also are:

• Trying to match both southbound and northbound freeway sign legends and information at the same exit when possible.
• Realize the use of technology for today's drivers is much more advanced and helps significantly in getting drivers to their destinations.

For Exit 170 and 176, we plan to keep the proposed changes as shown on the plans.  In general, both exits for Harrison are quite unique and drivers can use either exit to access destinations in the north or south sides of the city.  Also, the US-127 corridor has six different roadways that are labeled and signed for Business Route US-127 and three of these routes are overlapping with another MDOT numbered state trunkline.  As you pointed out, it is our desire to try to match the signs in both directions of the same exit.  It was also our desire to reduce the units of information per sign, avoid overlapping route marker symbols per sign when possible, and try to simplify the exit sign text. 

For northbound Exit 170, the units of information on the existing sign were high, so we removed the Business Route US-127 to prioritize the longer Michigan Route M-61.  The existing southbound Exit 170 sign was labeled with only Gladwin which is 15 miles away and it was missing immediate local information.  The southern Harrison City Limit is only 1 mile from the exit, so we believe it is appropriate to reduce information for the northbound sign and match both directions.

For the southbound Exit 176, the northbound Harrison City Limit is about 3.1 miles from the exit.  Again, we believe it is appropriate to sign both directions as Business Route US-127 and Clare Avenue for uniformity.  We understand your comment about signing the beginning of the business route and not the terminus, but this is a unique situation.  We believe that matching and simplifying exit signing in both directions was an acceptable trade-off on a corridor with six other business routes.  With the changes, locals will still know which exit to use and unfamiliar drivers will still be directed to the correct locations when using GPS and phone navigation systems which, as referenced above, have completely changed the way we drive and sign for roadways. 

Concerning your last question about the southbound Exit 160 at Clare Avenue, the plans are incorrect and will be modified (currently in process) to match the existing sign that shows route symbols for both Business Route US-127 and US-10 and has text for Clare.  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.