Visitors on www.michigan.gov/mdot can click the “Share” button found on each page of the Web site to share MDOT information, ranging from emergency road closures to announcements of upcoming public meetings about planned road construction projects.

“We are using every available avenue to get information to the public,” said Bill Shreck, MDOT director of communications. “Whether it’s emergency information or learning about MDOT services, social media is a quick and easy way to keep people better informed, with very little cost to the state.”

Shreck noted that MDOT also is posting informational videos to its You Tube site at: www.youtube.com/michigandot.

             The bridge footings are being stabilized with steel and concrete columns reaching about 60 feet into the ground below the bridge. The design was approved late Sunday, May 17, and crews have been working around the clock since Monday to get the holes drilled through the concrete bridge footings and to drive the columns in place. The placement of these columns has taken longer than anticipated, and a second pile driving rig was ordered on Wednesday (May 20^th), in an effort to speed up the process.

             “We understand the importance of opening this vital freeway before the start of the Memorial Day weekend, and we are doing our best to accomplish that goal,” said MDOT Southwest Region Engineer Bobbi Welke. “Ensuring the safety of the motoring public is our highest priority. We will work continuously and effectively to reopen this bridge to traffic.”

             The westbound I-94 exit to Capital Avenue (Exit 97) has been closed while the eastbound lanes have been detoured for safety precautions, and that exit is expected to remain closed until both eastbound I-94 lanes reopen. Traffic is being directed to use the M-66/I-194 exit (Exit 98) to access Capital Avenue Southwest.

             “We’ve looked very carefully at different options for reopening this ramp,” said Mia Silver, MDOT Southwest Region delivery engineer. “Unfortunately, there is not a way to do this without introducing other issues, so the alternate routing is needed to keep it operating safely.”

             MDOT is replacing the 50-year-old I-94 bridges, part of a $10 million transportation investment that includes resurfacing 4.5 miles of eastbound and westbound I-94 between Helmer Road and 6 1/2 Mile Road, and rebuilding Riverside Drive under I-94 in Battle Creek. Work began in mid-April and is expected to be completed in November.

• lane closures
• construction projects
• traffic cameras in Detroit and Grand Rapids and
• accident reports, roadway speeds and changeable message signs in Detroit

State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle said, “Making the MI Drive site easy for the public to use and understand will continue to be a top priority for MDOT. We remain committed to keeping Michigan motorists safe, mobile, and informed.” Lane closure information from MDOT is available online at www.michigan.gov/drive.