MDOT Southwest says more funding needed - WOOD-TV

MDOT Southwest Region Engineer Roberta Welke discusses upcoming projects and infrastructure funding. (Sept. 4, 2013)

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - The Michigan Department of Transportation says a lack of funding means more roads and bridges in the state will go unrepaired.

The MDOT Southwest Region's infrastructure investment report -- released Wednesday -- says 29% of roads were rated in poor condition in 2012. If funding remains the same, MDOT says, the number of roads and bridges in good condition will be only 41% in 2018. The statewide goal is 90%.

MDOT says it could do more projects, but a lack of funding is preventing that.

"We are reaching a critical point when it comes to funding," MDOT Southwest Region Engineer Roberta Welke said. "There needs to be a new funding mechanism."

The report also laid out three big construction projects coming up in Kalamazoo County:

• In 2014, US-31 at Stadium Drive will be reconstructed.


• In 2015, I-94 at Sprinkle Road will be reconstructed.


• In 2016, I-94 at M-40 will be reconstructed.

Those projects total $67 million in all.

The Southwest Region serves Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

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Online:

MDOT Southwest Region

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