Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), road construction industry representatives, Operating Engineers 324, and Wayne County officials to mark the start of the 2026 road construction season, according to an April 8 announcement. The event was featured in MDOT’s latest video news release, where Whitmer reiterated her commitment to improving state roads and supporting jobs in the sector.
The launch highlights ongoing efforts to address infrastructure needs across Michigan. The state’s investment in projects like M-14/I-96 aims to improve transportation safety and efficiency for residents while supporting employment opportunities.
“Before I took office, Michiganders were dealing with bad roads and high costs,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I ran in 2018 to fix the damn roads because that’s what I heard from people in all 83 counties across Michigan.”
Whitmer toured the M-14 project in Plymouth Township, which is a $143 million initiative focused on rebuilding M-14/I-96 from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road. This includes major bridge work at the I-275 interchange and is supported by nearly $84 million through her Rebuilding Michigan program. According to economic modeling referenced by MDOT, this investment will directly and indirectly support about 1,210 jobs.
“Throughout the construction season, workers are going to be fixing roads all over the state,” said Whitmer. “I’m grateful for every mile you’ve fixed so far. These are dangerous jobs. So, drivers, when you hit the road this spring and summer, we ask that you slow down and pay attention. There’s Michiganders at work here.”
The two-year M-14 project began in 2025 with eastbound reconstruction; after a winter pause, crews resumed work on westbound lanes this February with completion expected by year-end.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways along with more than 4,800 bridges and other transport infrastructure according to its official website. The department employs over 2,800 people statewide across seven regions according to its official website.
MDOT’s mission focuses on connecting people and communities through transportation according to its official website. Its leadership team includes a director as well as chief administrative officer and chief operations officer according to its official website. The agency oversees not only highways but also rail services, public transit programs, aviation initiatives, non-motorized trails management—including safety standards—and maintains routes such as M-, I-, US-highways according to its official website.
