Talking Michigan Transportation Road building 101
Mar 19, 2025
Jason Gutting, Director of MDOT’s Bureau of Field Services, shares his expertise overseeing Michigan's road construction and maintenance. He discusses the challenges of inflation and supply chain issues in road building. Gutting delves into the importance of adhering to national standards and the innovations in paving materials. He also emphasizes the critical evaluation of new construction materials and the complexities of winter maintenance, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to ensure motorist safety.
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National Road Standards
- Michigan road construction follows national standards and specifications overseen by the Federal Highway Administration.
- MDOT engineers collaborate with other states to share best practices and ensure consistent quality.
New Materials Vetting
- MDOT has a thorough process for vetting new road-building materials, prioritizing long-term performance and taxpayer money.
- Implementing new materials takes time due to extensive testing, piloting, and monitoring to ensure durability and efficacy.
Low-Bid Process
- Road construction contracts are typically awarded through a low-bid process required by the federal government.
- MDOT uses a lifecycle cost analysis to compare bids, considering both initial costs and long-term maintenance expenses.