Orange Barrels = Economic Growth in Southeast Michigan + SEMCOG suggests options to ease stress

Warmer weather in Michigan means many things to residents, mostly greeted by excitement and anticipation. For some, the change in season and weather means relaxing weekends spent Up North at a summer cottage. For others, it’s a chance for outdoor patio dining at their favorite restaurant. And many others look to explore the region’s natural environment and outdoor recreational options, such as kayaking, softball or golf leagues, or soccer tournaments.

For most of us, slightly less exciting signs of the season include orange barrels and traffic congestion from road construction. Michigan’s usually harsh winters make the construction season here shorter than in other places. As such, construction on our roads is compacted into a limited number of months, primarily in the spring and summer.

Granted, traffic delays and back-ups can be frustrating. However, these barrels, detours, and road closures are necessary to achieve long-term progress for local communities and the region. High quality, efficient, and safe roads are important for business activity, commerce, and growth.

When businesses look to expand or locate to Southeast Michigan, the strength and efficiency of our transportation system is a great selling point. It also stimulates the economy as local contractors build the roads, while others provide the materials and equipment.

So, when I see orange barrels, I see positive signs for economic development.

A number of major construction projects will occur over the remaining months of 2016. Below are a few of the projects that may have a direct impact on both your commute and, more importantly, the local and regional economy. Each of these projects improves the quality of our transportation system. Improvements to this system enhance the ability of residents to reach jobs and destinations and ensure the reliability and efficiency of our freight network.

Collectively, these construction projects and others work to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, replace unsafe and inadequate bridges, and resurface roads to eliminate costly deteriorating conditions. By maintaining the infrastructure that connects people, goods, and services, these projects ensure our region’s ability to be safe and successful, now and in the future.

• I-275 Rehabilitation (5 Mile Road to I-96/I-696/M-5 in Oakland and Wayne Counties) – the “Revive I-275” project features 13 miles of roadway rehabilitation, 16 bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) enhancements, stormwater runoff mitigation, and guardrail replacement (April-November 2016).
• I-75 Modernization (north of Coolidge to South Boulevard in Oakland County) – 2.69 miles of roadway reconstruction, including an additional High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction for peak travel times, reconfiguring the Square Lake Road interchange, replacing bridges, and improving drainage (June 2016-November 2017).
• Trumbull Avenue Bridge Replacement over I-94 (City of Detroit) – includes demolishing the current bridge and constructing a new bridge over I-94. One lane of I-94 will be closed in each direction during overnight hours (8 p.m.-5 a.m.) on weekdays, and all times on the weekends (now-November 2016).
• M-24 Rehabilitation (Harmon Road to Goldengate Road in Auburn Hills and Orion Township) – includes resurfacing five miles, eliminating direct left turns, and new signals (now-November 2016).
• I-75 Reconstruction (south of Dixie Highway to I-275 in Monroe County) – the first of five phases, this project includes reconstructing 5.6 miles and rehabilitating two bridges. This reconstruction project, which is being guided by the I-75 Corridor Conservation Action Plan in Monroe County, will simultaneously accomplish a necessary rebuild as well as maximum conservation and restoration outcomes (May 2015-September 2016).
• M-14 Maintenance (between I-94 and US-23 interchange in Ann Arbor) – includes pavement repairs and bridgework. M-14 freeway will be closed from March to August 2016 with detours using I-94 and US-23. Construction is expected to be completed in September.

These are just a few of the major construction projects that are either ongoing or beginning soon. While the economic development impact in our region is something to look forward to, the stress these projects may have on our commutes must also be considered. With this in mind, SEMCOG encourages motorists to consider several available options and opportunities, including:

• Public Transit – several of the above projects and other, major construction projects planned this year are along or adjacent to transit routes or park-and-ride locations, including AAATA (theRide), BWAT, DDOT, LET, and SMART.
  • It’s interesting to note that one bus with 35 passengers eliminates a line of moving vehicles stretching six blocks!
• MiRideshare – SEMCOG’s free online matching program allows users to find matches for carpooling, vanpooling, and biking to and from work.
• Detroit Commuter Challenge – for the entire month of May, SEMCOG encourages commuters to take an alternative form of transportation (carpool, bus, vanpool, walk, bike, or telecommute).
• Avoid the rush – Using flexible work hours and traveling during off-peak times can make the commute much easier. MDOT’s MiDrive website and app (iOS or Android) help commuters monitor construction projects, check traffic incidents and delays, and use traffic cameras for “real-time” roadway conditions.
• Telework – Working from home reduces traffic-induced stress, saves money, increases employee productivity, and job satisfaction.
• Walk or bike – Bicycle and pedestrian travel gives us transportation choices, recreation, and improves the health of residents. Check out SEMCOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Plan.