Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed an executive directive instructing the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to expedite pothole repairs on state trunkline highways.
“Potholes are dangerous and damage vehicles,” Paul C. Ajegba, state transportation director, said. “The way to prevent this is to continue fixing the roads and bridges the right way the first time. Consistent with this executive directive, MDOT will use all the resources at our disposal, including overtime and contracted services, to repair them. When we are not clearing roads from the latest storm, our crews will be out fixing potholes as quickly as possible.”
Under the directive, MDOT will prioritize activities related to fixing seasonal potholes. The agency will use all resources available, including overtime pay and contracted services. It also must ensure the public can easily report the location of potholes or other issues.
Specifically, the agency will identify and prioritize areas for repair, ensure timely disbursements of Michigan Transportation Fund dollars to local road agencies, and continue broader road improvement projects to prevent potholes and other road surface issues from developing.
Under the directive, the Michigan State Police will also provide work-zone enforcement and other needed support for crews working on road surface repair projects.