Talking Michigan Transportation

Despite Michigan’s hands-free driving law being in place for more than a year now, police are still seeing drivers holding their phones or other devices in vehicles. The practice is especially troublesome where road work is going on.On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, conversations with a construction engineer facing the challenge of working with contractors to rebuild roads in a timely manner while maintaining mobility for the public. First, Tanya Pawlukiewicz, MDOT’s Grand Region construction engineer, talks about a number of crashes that have occurred in a work zone on a major project on I-96 in Ionia County. Later, Michigan State Police Sgt. Bradley Campbell talks about what he and his colleagues are seeing and hearing along the I-96 corridor and the effectiveness of Operation Ghost Rider.One conclusion: Despite aggressive public awareness campaigns, expansive media coverage and other efforts, many people don’t know about the hands-free law. On a recent day, Campbell says four of nine drivers stopped for using their phones told troopers they were ignorant of the law. 

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Troy Hagon. For 16 years, Troy has worked in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Office of Government Affairs, the past six as director.Troy will be leaving MDOT soon to become the deputy director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC).During the conversation, Troy reflects on his work in the Michigan Legislature prior to coming to MDOT. He also recalls some good memories of his work at the department and the need to continue efforts to find a long-term, sustainable solution to Michigan’s decades-long under-investment in transportation infrastructure. 

Bridge Michigan reported this week on some troubling statistics in Michigan that show that police are not making as many arrests for drunk driving and crashes caused by impaired driving are on the rise.Among key findings:Drunk driving arrests in Michigan have dropped 28 percent since 2014, while fatal alcohol- and drug-related crashes have risen 40 percent.Experts attribute the rise in crashes to fewer police officers and less traffic enforcement, leading to more dangerous driving behavior.In 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties, drunk driving arrests have declined, mirroring a national trendOn this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Daniel Zimmerman, senior director of government relations and policy for the Washington, D.C.-based Governors Highway Safety Association, talks about the problem.One initiative that perhaps holds promise for solutions stems from a bipartisan provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Section 24220, Public Law 117-58, IIJA) signed into law in 2021. The provision requires a new national safety standard for passive, advanced impaired driving prevention systems in new vehicles.

By now, you may have seen a photo taken high above the Detroit River of two iron workers, one from Canada and one from the United States, shaking hands to mark the completion of the deck on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.  On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with those iron workers, Jason Huggett of Canada and Casey Whitson of Michigan. Both are second-generation iron workers. Jason’s father helped build the twin span of the Blue Water Bridge linking Port Huron, Michigan, with Sarnia, Ontario. Casey’s father worked on the Renaissance Center in Detroit as well as Joe Louis Arena.They talk about what working on this once-in-a-lifetime project means to both of them and how honored each of them was to participate in the handshake. They each spoke about it to the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority after the handshake: Said Huggett: “I said it was about time we got to shake hands after seeing each     other from a distance for almost two years, it was really something special. That handshake means a lot to my family, my two sons and my father, who helped build the twin span for the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia.”  And Whitson: “We would see each other, but we were far, across the river, apart for all these months working. To actually get to be able to meet each other and shake hands and say hello is really cool. It’s the biggest moment in my career and I now share something with my father, who helped build the Renaissance Center in Detroit.”  

Lindsey Renner from MDOT discusses road construction challenges like speeding and distracted driving. Topics include rumble strips, speed trailers, Ghost Rider program, and the zipper merge for traffic efficiency. They also touch on advocacy for safety, public feedback on road maintenance, hands-free driving laws, and the role of technology in enhancing vehicle safety.

Veteran project manager Mohammed Alghurabi discusses his community engagement success with the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, emphasizing trust-building. He highlights the importance of involving underserved communities and diversity initiatives in engineering projects, while stressing the significance of soft skills and empathy in infrastructure development. Alghurabi explores the challenges of underfunding in Michigan's transportation ventures and the value of community engagement in planning studies for highways like US-12 and US-131. Additionally, he touches on the collaboration between the US and Canada for transportation projects.

Ryan McMahon from Cambridge Mobile Telematics discusses the positive impact of Michigan's hands-free law on reducing distracted driving. Data shows a significant initial decrease in risky driving events, promoting safer roads and preventing crashes.

Jared Fleisher, from Rock, discusses legislation for economic development through public transportation in Michigan. Topics include enhancing quality of life, attracting and retaining talent, and the role of public transportation in transforming cities like Grand Rapids.

James Jackson, coordinator of MDOT's Transportation Diversity Recruitment Program, discusses the success of the 10-week program and its impact on students' careers. Donte Harris shares how the program helped him land a job at an electric vehicle charging startup in Detroit. The podcast also touches on the importance of diversity in the workforce and the rise of electric vehicles in Michigan.

Baruch Feigenbaum, a transportation policy expert, discusses Michigan's potential shift from fuel taxes to road user charges. He highlights the challenges posed by fuel efficiency and electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for long-term funding policy changes. The conversation delves into the feasibility of a pilot program to assess mileage-based fees, drawing insights from other states' experiences like Oregon and Utah. Feigenbaum addresses concerns about equity, privacy, and sustainability in implementing a new funding system.