New MI State Order Should Speed Up Pothole Repairs, Whitmer Says

MICHIGAN — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order that will allow state officials to speed up pothole repairs on state highways, the governor's office announced Wednesday.

The new order directs the Michigan Department of Transportation to use all of its available resources, including overtime pay and contracted services, to accelerate road repairs. The order also urges state officials to promote a system that allows the public to easily report the location of potholes or other issues, according to a news release.

"No family should have to spend their hard-earned money on repairing a flat tire or a broken axle caused by these potholes," Whitmer said. "We’re kicking this into overdrive, using overtime pay and contractors to get the job done, while we continue broader improvement projects across the state."

In addition to fixing the state's highways, Whitmer also urged state officials to disburse Michigan Transportation Fund dollars to local road agencies to ensure they have the resources to repair potholes. However, funding to fix local, non-state roads is appropriated by the Michigan Legislature, Whitmer said.

"Consistent with this Executive Directive, MDOT will use all the resources at our disposal, including overtime and contracted services, to repair them," State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said. "When we are not clearing roads from the latest storm, our crews will be out fixing potholes as quickly as possible."

Some areas of Michigan are experiencing their worst pothole season in decades, mainly due to February's fluctuating weather patterns. In February, the state saw several significant snowmakers, followed by periods of 50 degree weather and heavy rain.

Furthermore, a recent study based on Google search statistics placed Michigan at the nation's third-worst state for potholes. The study also said the average bill to fix a vehicle damaged by a pothole was $306.