Transportation & Infrastructure
23 storiesCoverage ranges from closure alerts and project timelines to route guides, funding explainers and construction updates. Stories connect practical travel effects with agencies, schedules, public spending and service reliability so readers can see what changed, how long it may matter and what comes next.
SMART to Add New Bus Routes Across Wayne County After Millage Approval
SMART will launch new bus routes and service improvements in Wayne County after voters approved a 10-year transit millage expected to generate at least $570 million for regional transportation upgrades
Nearly 280,000 Lose Power as Severe Storms Hit Southeast Michigan
Tornado warnings and damaging winds swept through southeast Michigan Thursday, toppling trees, halting school dismissals, and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity as utility crews raced to restore service
Power Outages Top 90,000 After Severe Storms Hit Metro Detroit
Nearly 93,500 DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit lost electricity after Wednesday night's storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread debris. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents face blocked roads and cleanup challenges.
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Michigan Gas Prices Top $4 for Labor Day, Up Sharply From 2025
Drivers across Michigan are paying more than $4 per gallon for regular gas this Labor Day weekend, a significant increase from last year. AAA attributes the rise to global oil market disruptions and offers tips to help residents save.
Oakland County Road Construction Paused for Labor Day Weekend
Most Oakland County road construction will be suspended from Friday, September 4 at 3 p.m. through Tuesday, September 8 at 6 a.m. to help reduce holiday traffic delays, with several key roads remaining closed for ongoing repairs.
Wayne County Plans New Roundabouts to Ease Traffic and Improve Safety
Wayne County communities including Canton, Northville, and Romulus are moving forward with their first roundabout projects, aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety at busy intersections starting as early as 2027
Mobile Driver's Licenses Expand as States Push Toward Digital IDs
Mobile driver's licenses are now available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, with over 8 million active credentials. Wider adoption and remote verification could soon make digital IDs a practical tool for banking, employment, and age verification.
Oakland County Opens 45th Roundabout at Wixom Road Intersection
Oakland County has opened its 45th roundabout at the intersection of Wixom Road, Wixom Trail, Sleeth Road, and Duck Lake Trail, aiming to improve safety and traffic flow for more than 12,000 daily drivers in Commerce and Milford townships.
Southfield Freeway Southbound Closed at I-96 for Police Investigation
Michigan State Police closed all southbound lanes of M-39 at I-96 in Detroit Tuesday after reports of a possible shooting. Drivers should expect delays and seek alternate routes as the investigation continues.
Eastbound I-696 in Oakland County Set to Reopen by Year's End
After nearly 18 months of closures, eastbound I-696 between M-10 and I-75 in Oakland County is expected to reopen before the end of 2026, restoring a key route for thousands of daily commuters and easing local congestion
World Cup Drives Major Advances in U.S. Drone Security
More than 700 illegal drones were intercepted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting new investments and coordination among U.S. cities and states to strengthen airspace security for major events and future drone operations.
New Exit 64A Ramp to I-91 North Set to Open in Meriden
A new ramp connecting Route 15 North to I-91 North in Meriden will open September 1, 2026, providing drivers with an updated route while the existing Exit 65A remains available during the transition
Fairfield Sets August 26 Workshop on Safe Streets for All Plan
Fairfield will host a public workshop on August 26 to present its Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets for All initiative, inviting residents to review findings and discuss recommendations for safer local roadways.
How Local Governments Are Using Data to Tackle Climate Risks
Local agencies are shifting from passive data collection to proactive strategies, using external datasets and local expertise to strengthen infrastructure resilience against severe weather and climate threats.
Michigan's Line 5 Pipeline Future Uncertain After Court Ruling
Michigan's Line 5 pipeline remains in limbo as legal battles and permit reviews continue. Recent court decisions have blocked tunnel construction, leaving the pipeline's fate unresolved for residents and businesses across the state.
Oakland County Targets Invasive Plants Along Major Roadways
Oakland County will treat invasive Phragmites and knotweed along main roads through October, aiming to protect native plants and prevent infrastructure damage in dozens of local communities.
I-94 in Cook County Ranks Among Nation's Deadliest Highways
A new study finds I-94 in Cook County, Illinois, is the fourth deadliest highway stretch in the U.S., with 52 fatal crashes over three years. Several other Chicago-area expressways also appear in the national top 100.
Freightliner Van Fire Shuts Down Garden State Parkway in Wall, NJ
A Freightliner van caught fire Friday morning on the Garden State Parkway in Wall Township, New Jersey. Emergency crews quickly responded, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Waymo Approved to Expand Driverless Rides in 18 California Counties
Waymo has received state approval to expand its driverless passenger service across 18 California counties, including new areas in the Bay Area, but has not yet announced when rides will begin in the newly authorized locations
Crash Closes North Quentin Road in Palatine, Both Directions Blocked
North Quentin Road in Palatine is closed between West Dundee Road and West Lake Cook Road after a crash. Police are urging drivers to avoid the area and expect delays until the roadway reopens.
Report: Broadband Projects Face Permit Delays Across U.S.
A new report finds that nearly 7,000 broadband projects funded by the $42 billion BEAD program will require more than 86,000 permits, with many projects facing complex and lengthy approval processes at federal, state, and local levels.
Michigan Law Blocks License Points for Automated Traffic Tickets
Michigan drivers caught by automated cameras in work zones or passing stopped school buses will face fines but not license points under a new state law. The change aims to address privacy concerns and insurance impacts as camera enforcement expands.