(CBS-DETROIT) – Memorial Day weekend is here and the Michigan Department of Transportation is lifting some lane restrictions across the state to help reduce traffic delays for travelers.
MDOT said it plans to lift just over half of its road and bridge projects as of 3 p.m. Friday; In total, 85 of the state’s 154 projects will see lane restrictions lifted this weekend. The restrictions will be lifted until 6am on Tuesday.
Although operations will be suspended in some areas this weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and traffic configurations, including shoulder closures and temporary services, will still be in place.
“With a record number of road and bridge construction underway across the state thanks to increased federal infrastructure investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program, it has never been more important for drivers to follow all postings signs and speed limits in work zones,” said Brad Wieferich, director of State Transportation. “We understand the frustration that construction can cause, but we urge all drivers to follow the law, be patient and ensure everyone, including themselves, their passengers and road workers, gets home every evening.”
Nearly 1.3 million Michiganders will travel over Memorial Day weekend
Almost this year 1.3 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more on Memorial Day weekend. This is expected to be the second most traveled Memorial Day weekend in Michigan and nationally.
Nearly 43.8 million people are expected to travel during the holidays. This forecast is slightly lower than the 44 million people who traveled in 2005, which is the highest on record since AAA began tracking the data in 2005.
“Memorial Day will be the start of a very busy summer of travel,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “U.S. travelers are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, making this the busiest Memorial Day holiday weekend in nearly two decades. The main driver of this forecast is strong consumer interest in travel at home and abroad. The interest in international travel is greatest. level in recent years.”
Lifting just over half of the state’s traffic restrictions will help ease traffic congestion this weekend.
However, drivers should still be aware of construction zones in certain areas during the weekend.
