MICHIGAN, USA — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that the Michigan Department of Transportation is moving orange barrels to the side of the road and removing lane restrictions in an effort to ease travel over Labor Day weekend.
Whitmer said the moving of the barrels and removing of lane restrictions will happen on 60% of the state's road and bridge projects.
According to a press release from Whitmer's office, lane restrictions will be removed beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 on 96 out of 161 projects statewide.
While operations may be suspended in most MDOT work zones, Whitmer's office said that equipment and certain traffic configurations, such as temporary shifts and shoulder closures, may remain in place.
For a full list of work zones that will remain active or have lane restrictions, click HERE.
"Labor Day weekend is a reminder that it’s time to soak up the last few weeks of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine," Gov. Whitmer said. "During this busy travel week, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions wherever we can so you can get where you need to go safely and smoothly. But next Tuesday, you better believe that we will be right back to fixing the damn roads. Since I took office, Michigan has fixed nearly 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 bridges, supporting more than 100,000 jobs. Drive safe!”
Whitmer's office also said the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon for the Annual Bridge Walk.
"With the end of summer, many folks will be taking this opportunity for one last road trip, so we've pulled back the barrels as much as we can for the holiday weekend. However, we can't do it for every project, so please drive safely through all work zones you may encounter," State Transportation Director Brad Wieferich said. "We thank drivers for continuing to show patience behind the wheel and following all posted speed limits in work zones. Let's keep it up so everyone, including drivers, their passengers and road workers, all make it home each and every night."
