Michigan Road Funding Crisis Forces MDOT to Push Through Major West Michigan Bridge Repairs and Highway Construction

State Transportation Budget Shortage Threatens Roads Across West Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan's ongoing road funding crisis is forcing the state to accelerate major construction projects across West Michigan, from bridge repairs in Big Rapids to highway reconstruction in Evart, all while state leaders struggle to fix the underlying budget problem.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is overseeing multiple infrastructure projects across Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake counties with work scheduled from April through mid-November, budgets totaling millions of dollars. John Richard, communications representative for MDOT's Grand region, confirmed the scope and timeline of these projects.

Bridge Repairs and Highway Reconstruction Underway

One of the most immediate impacts remains along U.S. 131 at Perry Avenue in Big Rapids, where a bridge damaged by a crash is undergoing repairs. The project includes partial superstructure replacement, meaning a key support beam must be replaced after a vehicle struck the bridge.

The westbound lane and loop ramp are closed and expected to remain closed throughout construction. Lane closures on southbound U.S. 131 are also expected during the project. The work is scheduled to run from July 27 through mid-October with an estimated cost of $395,000.

Farther north, a major reconstruction project on U.S. 10 in Evart represents the largest investment in the region this season. The $11 million project will rebuild approximately 1.5 miles of roadway between 95th Avenue and the Muskegon River. Construction is expected to continue through mid-November.

Drivers can expect lane closures, traffic shifts and occasional use of traffic regulators, with traffic sometimes alternating directions in a single lane.

Osceola County Bridge Projects

In Osceola County, two bridge projects are scheduled to begin April 13, both affecting regional travel routes.

On M-66 northeast of Evart, crews will perform joint replacement, substructure repairs and approach reconstruction on the Muskegon River bridge. The project also includes erosion control measures using large stones placed along the riverbank. The work is expected to continue through November with a budget of $5 million.

Nearby, the M-115 bridge over the west branch of the Middle Branch River will undergo deck patching, guardrail installation and structural repairs. That project will require a full closure of M-115, with a posted detour using M-66 and M-61. Construction is scheduled from April 13 through late June at a cost of $570,000.

Mecosta County Infrastructure Work

In Mecosta County, a resurfacing project on southbound U.S. 131 will stretch 7.3 miles from south of 13 Mile Road to north of 6 Mile Road. The $3 million project is scheduled from May 4 through mid-July. Drivers should expect single-lane closures along the southbound route.

Later in the season, sidewalk and roadway improvements are planned in Baldwin along M-37. The project includes concrete sidewalk construction, curb work and pavement markings from Third Street north to Prospect Street. Work is scheduled from Sept. 7 through mid-November with lane closures and traffic shifts expected, though impacts are anticipated to be minimal. The project budget is $382,000.

Pothole Crisis Highlights Infrastructure Emergency

The timing of these projects comes amid a broader crisis affecting Michigan roads across the state. The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association is launching its Pothole Payback Contest to draw attention to the state's deteriorating infrastructure.

From April through June, the program will award five drivers each month up to $800 for submitting photos of pothole damage. The initiative aims to highlight the average annual cost Michigan drivers pay in car repairs due to poor road conditions.

Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of MITA, said Michigan is heading straight for a road funding cliff that threatens thousands of construction jobs. "Our roads are crumbling, and Michiganders deserve real, lasting solutions. While the legislature fails to act, we're shining a light on this crisis and helping families with car repairs."

State Budget Gap Looms

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson has come out strongly in opposition to the 24% cannabis tax that was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget as a key funding mechanism for statewide road repairs. The tax has faced legal challenges from industry groups who question its constitutionality.

The state's road funding crisis has prompted emergency measures beyond the Pothole Payback Contest. MITA is also working to help drivers who have suffered vehicle damage from potholes, offering reimbursement for repair costs as part of an effort to highlight the ongoing infrastructure emergency.

What This Means for West Michigan Drivers

The construction projects across Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake counties will require significant adjustments to driving habits for residents of Big Rapids, Baldwin, Evart, and surrounding communities.

According to Richard, drivers should expect delays but can minimize risks by adjusting their driving habits in work zones. State officials encourage drivers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and monitor active construction zones through the state's online traffic tools.

Richard emphasized that work zones operate efficiently unless crashes occur, placing responsibility on drivers to remain attentive. "You're not going to get there any faster if you're in a hurry. You're just going to create hazards," he said.

Statewide Impact

While the current projects focus on West Michigan, the road funding crisis is affecting infrastructure across the entire state. Similar construction and repair projects are underway in Livingston County, Lapeer County, and throughout the state, all facing budget constraints and timing challenges.

The Michigan Department of Transportation continues to invest in critical infrastructure improvements, but the underlying funding gap threatens to leave many roads in disrepair. State leaders face increasing pressure to find sustainable solutions for Michigan's transportation needs.

The Pothole Payback Contest and emergency repair initiatives highlight the urgency of the situation, but experts warn that temporary fixes won't address the long-term infrastructure challenges facing the state.

Sources:

• MDOT press release on US-31 rebuilding near Interlochen: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2026/04/01/us-31-rebuilding-detour-near-interlochen-could-begin-as-early-as-april-7
• Michigan's Thumb article on MDOT road work in Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake counties: https://michigansthumb.com/news/article/mdot-plans-upcoming-road-work-mecosta-osceola-22184056.php
• WWMT News Channel 3 on Pothole Payback Contest: https://wwmt.com/news/local/pothole-payback-contest-michigan-fix-mi-state-dollars-drivers-damage-cars-infrastructure-community-state
• WLAV-FM on drivers receiving payouts for pothole damage: https://wlav.com/2026/04/02/drivers-in-michigan-can-receive-payouts-for-pothole-damage
• Michigan Advance on gubernatorial hopeful opposing cannabis tax: https://michiganadvance.com/2026/03/30/democratic-gubernatorial-hopeful-promises-to-repeal-cannabis-tax-key-to-whitmers-road-funding-plan/