LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has secured their final round of financing, $778.8 million total, ensuring all remaining projects approved as part of the governor’s Rebuilding Michigan program continue, and making good on her commitment to fix the damn roads. 

“Fixing the damn roads means less wear on your car, a smoother drive, and safer travel for every Michigander,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m excited that the final round of payments has been secured to finish the remaining Rebuilding Michigan projects. Over the last seven and a half years, we’ve fixed more than 26,500 lane miles of road and almost 2,000 bridges across Michigan, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. Let’s keep working together to fix the damn roads and build a brighter future for our state.” 

Shortly into her tenure, Governor Whitmer implemented a $3.5 billion financing program, allowing MDOT to make more immediate long-term fixes to critical roads and bridges before infrastructure further declined, and repairs became more costly. The program focused on rebuilding state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. Combining the initial $3.5 billion of principal with the associated premium received from investors and interest earned, helped bring the total financing to $4.3 billion, a resolution that was passed by Michigan’s State Transportation Commission (STC) in March 2026. 

This system is used as a vehicle to finance new and modified road construction projects across the state between 2020 and 2027, while accelerating many others. This financing is aimed at advancing fixes that result in longer road life and improve the condition of the state’s infrastructure to achieve the trunkline pavement performance goal of 90 percent in “good or fair” condition, as set by the STC. In addition, this strategy allows MDOT to address key corridors and rebuild major segments of highly travelled interstates.

The Rebuilding Michigan program, now among its final years of construction, will see more than 36 of 47 total projects, substantially complete by the end of 2026, with several additional projects slated for bid letting in early 2027. Some of the most notable corridor investments include I-275 in Wayne County, I-696 in Oakland County, I-496 in Eaton and Ingham counties, US-131 in Kent County, and I-475 in Genesee County.  

Fixing the Damn Roads  

The governor is focused on rebuilding our roads and bridges with the right mix and materials, so they stay fixed, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying construction jobs along the way.  

• Since taking office through the end of this construction season, Michigan will have fixed more than 26,500 lane miles of road and 2,000 bridges, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.   

• Enacted the largest roads deal in Michigan history, with $2 billion in ongoing funding to fix state and local roads and bridges and make a historic investment in public transit.  

• Continued partnership with the Canadian government on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a major trade corridor that supports at least 2,500 good-paying jobs for Michiganders.  

• Launched the Rebuilding Michigan Plan, a $3.5 billion plan expanding major new road projects, rebuilding state highways and bridges over 5 years, without an increase at the pump.  

• Signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, investing $316 million into roads and bridges, $66 million into pump station generators to keep highways clear during severe storms, and $92 million to upgrade regional airports.   

• Established the Michigan Infrastructure Office to coordinate infrastructure work across state government.  

• Launched the Bridge Bundling program to streamline permitting and improve bridge conditions on local routes around the state. Secured $80 million for the program.  

• Signed an executive directive to speed up pothole repairs.     

• Won a nearly $105 million competitive federal grant to replace I-375 in Detroit with a street-level boulevard and reconnect communities split apart nearly 60 years ago.   

• Signed an executive directive to streamline and improve permitting for infrastructure.    

• Protected construction workers by implementing work zone safety cameras.  

• Signed anti-distracted driving legislation to save lives, prevent injuries, and promote safe and reliable mobility.  

• Delivered $95 million to support local transit, marine services, rail, and more.  

• Worked with federal partners to secure funding for the Soo Locks Modernization Project and the Blue Water Bridge Plaza project.  

• Announced the first ever Michigan Maritime Strategy, attracting new investments, fostering innovation, and strengthening Michigan’s water-time economy.   

• Announced Michigan’s railroad enhancement grants, investing over $20 million towards freight rail projects in Michigan.  

• Signed bill ending transit opt-out zones in Wayne County and giving 500,000 voters a direct say in funding public transit services.