National Work Zone Safety Week: Macomb County urges motorists to help keep work zones and road professionals safe

More than 100 projects and $85 million in infrastructure improvements planned in Macomb County

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - Between state, county and local projects, there will be hundreds of work zones throughout Macomb County this year. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which takes place April 20-24, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is urging drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers safe.

"While road crews perform essential work to keep our roads and bridges safe, we remind all motorists that safe actions save lives," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "With construction season underway, please obey traffic laws and speed limits in and around work zones. How you drive will keep them alive."

Work zones are active environments where workers and equipment operate near moving traffic. To help keep the roads as safe as possible for everyone, MCDR strongly encourages drivers to practice these driving tips:

• Plan ahead. Expect and plan for delays and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes. For a list of Macomb County construction projects and information or to sign up for construction and traffic updates, visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone.
• Obey road crews and signs. When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
• Slow down. Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
• Move over. Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
• Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
• Watch for sudden stoppages. Don't make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

"We work closely with contractors and engineers to build some of the safest and most efficient roads in Michigan," said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. "With the support of the motoring public, our goal is to fix Macomb County's roads and bridges while keeping our road professionals and work zones as safe as possible."

MCDR has an extensive mix of work with more than 100 projects and $85 million in infrastructure investments planned. Below are a few notable projects anticipated to take place in 2026.

Planned work also includes 63 asphalt resurfacing and concrete repair projects as part of MCDR's annual Pavement Preservation Program (PPP).

For a list of projects, maps and information, visit macombgov.org/macombworkzone. The public can stay up to date of what's happening on Macomb County's roadways by signing up for real-time lane closures and construction updates online.

This year's National Work Zone Awareness Week theme is 'safe actions save lives.' For more information about National Work Zone Awareness Week and tips for safe driving in work zones, visit nwzaw.org.