The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 15 that it will begin resurfacing about seven miles of southbound Interstate 196 from south of the Berrien/Van Buren County line to 32nd Avenue, with work scheduled to start on April 20 and end by May 22.
The project represents a $3.6 million investment and includes milling, resurfacing, shoulder corrugations, and new pavement markings. The work is expected to cause single-lane closures along the affected stretch of highway. According to economic modeling provided by MDOT, the investment is anticipated to directly and indirectly support approximately 30 jobs.
MDOT manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, more than 4,800 bridges, over 2,700 miles of non-motorized trails, as well as railroad tracks and airports across Michigan according to the official website. The department employs more than 2,800 people and oversees seven regions through its network of transportation service centers and facilities statewide according to the official website.
MDOT’s mission focuses on serving people and communities while supporting Michigan’s economy through transportation initiatives according to the official website. Its leadership structure includes a director along with key executives such as a chief administrative officer and chief operations officer according to the official website.
The department’s responsibilities include maintaining state highways like M routes, I routes such as I-196 where this project is taking place, US routes, bridges, rail services, public transit programs, aviation initiatives, non-motorized trails management and upholding safety standards throughout its operations according to the official website.
