MI Orange Barrels Will Be Moved To Ease Fourth of July Holiday Travel

MICHIGAN — Traffic restrictions will be removed on nearly 60 percent of Michigan’s road and bridge projects to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers, according to the Michigan governor's office.

A record 2.6 million Michiganders are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, setting a new record for the second consecutive year, according to AAA.

"Fourth of July weekend is a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy the splendor of Pure Michigan and celebrate our independence," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “To ensure Michiganders can get to their destinations safely and on time, we’re moving construction barrels and lifting traffic restrictions.

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Starting a 3 p.m. Wednesday, construction crews will remove lane restrictions on 105 out of 174 projects across Michigan. The lanes will remain open through 6 a.m. Monday, July 8, according to the Michigan governor's office.

While motorists will see suspended operations in most state projects, officials reminded drivers that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, such as temporary shifts or shoulder closures.

The Michigan Department of Transportation oversees Interstate, Michigan and US routes across the state and is responsible for nearly 10,000 miles of state highways. Michigan highways carry more than 50 percent of all traffic and roughly 70 percent of commercial traffic in Michigan.

Since Whitmer has taken office, nearly 23,000 lane miles of roads and 1,600 bridges across Michigan have been repaired or replaced, according to the Michigan governor's office.