quickfact:
More than 96 billion miles are driven on Michigan roadways every year, the equivalent of more than 500 round trips from the Earth to the moon every day.
More than 96 billion miles are driven on Michigan roadways every year, the equivalent of more than 500 round trips from the Earth to the moon every day.
Fact...
Eight Michigan highways began as Native American trails: US 2 (from Sault Ste. Marie to Green Bay), I 75 (from Detroit to Saginaw), I 94 (from Detroit to St. Joseph), I 96 (from Detroit to Grand Rapids), I 94 (from Detroit to Port Huron), US 41 (from L'Anse to Marquette), and US 12 (from Ypsilanti to Chicago). Report: Michigan's Roads in Crisis
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More than $6 billion is needed to improve Michigan's transportation system, according to a report release July 21, 2008 by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CAC), appointed by Governor Granholm earlier this year.
Eight Michigan highways began as Native American trails: US 2 (from Sault Ste. Marie to Green Bay), I 75 (from Detroit to Saginaw), I 94 (from Detroit to St. Joseph), I 96 (from Detroit to Grand Rapids), I 94 (from Detroit to Port Huron), US 41 (from L'Anse to Marquette), and US 12 (from Ypsilanti to Chicago).
download a copy of this report
(file size: 1.22mb)
More than $6 billion is needed to improve Michigan's transportation system, according to a report release July 21, 2008 by the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CAC), appointed by Governor Granholm earlier this year.
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Fill out our online form and we'll send a Drive MI post card to you Legislator in your name.
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Things are going on constantly with the Drive MI campaign. Sign up for our email newsletter and get the latest info on what we are doing to make Michigan roads better, and how you can help.
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frequently asked questions
Q: What is Drive MI?
A: Click here for details.
Q: How do Michigan's roads and bridges currently rate?
A: Recent reports from across the state show that Michigan's highway network is in critical need of major repairs. The Road Information Program (TRIP), a national organization based in Washington, D.C., recently gave the state's roads and bridges grades of D+ and D, respectively. A recent newspaper series on the state's roads proclaimed Michigan is "...barreling headlong toward a transportation crisis."
All of this comes at a time when the state's transportation funds are being stretched progressively thinner, and our roads and bridges continue to age, deteriorate and become more congested.
Q: Why can't we fix these problems?
A: We could...if we had the money. Michigan faces an estimated $16 billion projected shortfall from 2003 to 2025 in needed highway, road and bridge funding to improve the condition of the system, expand key routes to relieve traffic congestion and improve key highway links to support economic development. Michigan expects to spend $34 billion on major roads, highway and bridges between 2003 and 2025 under current state and federal revenue projections, while the estimated need during this time period is $50 billion.
Q: Why should I care if the state has money for roads or not?
A: A lot of people assume that the only benefit they see from transportation spending is a road to and from work and school, or a trip to the grocery store. But there is much, much more.
Michigan's comprehensive system of roads and bridges is the backbone of our economy, supporting 4 million workers and a gross state product of $308 billion annually. Studies have shown that every $1 in transportation spending generates $2 in economic activity. It also creates jobs and helps increase tax bases. By funding projects that improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, transportation spending literally puts money back in your pocket by reducing gasoline wasted from being stuck in traffic.
All of this is exclusive of the fact that good roads save lives and reduce injuries, for which no sufficient price tag can be attached.
Q: What can I do to help the Drive MI Campaign?
A: Contact your legislator
A: Click here for details.
Q: How do Michigan's roads and bridges currently rate?
A: Recent reports from across the state show that Michigan's highway network is in critical need of major repairs. The Road Information Program (TRIP), a national organization based in Washington, D.C., recently gave the state's roads and bridges grades of D+ and D, respectively. A recent newspaper series on the state's roads proclaimed Michigan is "...barreling headlong toward a transportation crisis."
All of this comes at a time when the state's transportation funds are being stretched progressively thinner, and our roads and bridges continue to age, deteriorate and become more congested.
Q: Why can't we fix these problems?
A: We could...if we had the money. Michigan faces an estimated $16 billion projected shortfall from 2003 to 2025 in needed highway, road and bridge funding to improve the condition of the system, expand key routes to relieve traffic congestion and improve key highway links to support economic development. Michigan expects to spend $34 billion on major roads, highway and bridges between 2003 and 2025 under current state and federal revenue projections, while the estimated need during this time period is $50 billion.
Q: Why should I care if the state has money for roads or not?
A: A lot of people assume that the only benefit they see from transportation spending is a road to and from work and school, or a trip to the grocery store. But there is much, much more.
Michigan's comprehensive system of roads and bridges is the backbone of our economy, supporting 4 million workers and a gross state product of $308 billion annually. Studies have shown that every $1 in transportation spending generates $2 in economic activity. It also creates jobs and helps increase tax bases. By funding projects that improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, transportation spending literally puts money back in your pocket by reducing gasoline wasted from being stuck in traffic.
All of this is exclusive of the fact that good roads save lives and reduce injuries, for which no sufficient price tag can be attached.
Q: What can I do to help the Drive MI Campaign?
A: Contact your legislator