State of Macomb County Roads: Department of Roads showcases progress and plans to enhance transportation infrastructure

Officials from the Macomb County Executive Office and the Macomb Department of Roads (MCDR) provided an overview of the current state of Macomb County’s roads, highlighted progress that was made in 2025, which included more than $73 million in road, bridge and traffic improvements. With the passage of the state budget and additional road funding signed into law, the agency also previewed plans for 2026.

“The work of the Department of Roads is essential to enhancing public safety and supporting the transportation infrastructure needs of the County and the growth of the region” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “With the addition of new road funding through the state, Macomb County will continue to make strategic investments using data-driven asset management.”

As Michigan’s third most populated county and home of the sixth largest road system in the state, MCDR is responsible for the management of more than 1,700 miles of county roadways, 226 bridges, 830 culverts, 900 traffic signals, 350 traffic cameras and 60,000 traffic signs. Macomb County has made significant investments in roads and bridges in recent years while incorporating the use of the latest traffic technology to reinforce MCDR’s existing programs and strategies.

“Macomb County is continuously exploring, evaluating and implementing technologies, strategies, projects and programs that strengthen our infrastructure and enhance safety for all road users,” said Macomb County Deputy Executive John Paul Rea. “Macomb County is a leader in transportation safety and emerging mobility deployments and is equipped to solve logistical and safety challenges and improve the movement of people and goods in Macomb County.”

MCDR has made notable progress in recent years, but there is still work to be done. Macomb County estimates $2.6 billion is needed to improve every road and bridge under their jurisdiction.

MCDR’s annual programs are strategically focused on maximizing available funding and utilizing a mix of creative solutions to strengthen and enhance transportation infrastructure under Macomb County’s jurisdiction. The chart below provides current and projected pavement condition ratings and lane miles improved based on current and anticipated state funding.

“While the additional funding won’t fix every road and bridge overnight, we anticipate that we will be able to make substantial improvements to the overall condition of our roads and bridges in the foreseeable future,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “The additional funding will allow the Department of Roads to bolster our existing programs and the services we provide to the communities we serve.”

2025 progress

Through MCDR’s strategic programs and transportation asset management practices, the agency invested more than $73 million into Macomb County’s transportation network in 2025, which included:

• Road, bridge and traffic improvements on 81 primary and local roads
• 47 asphalt resurfacing and concrete pavement repair projects
• 8 bridge and culvert projects
• 25 subdivision projects
• More than 1,400 miles of pavement markings applied to county roads
• More than 100,000 tons of limestone applied to gravel roads
• 434 signal timing changes to improve traffic efficiency
• The installation of more than 16 miles of fiber optic communications network to fortify MCDR’s advanced traffic network

Notable projects

10 Mile Road. The project included two segments of 10 Mile Road. Road rehabilitation work took place between Ryan Road and Sherwood Avenue and road reconstruction work was completed between Sherwood Avenue and Lorraine Avenue. The project included new road drainage, curb and gutter, new pavement, traffic signal enhancements and restoration work.

Garfield Road. Reconstruction work between 14 Mile Road and 15 Mile Road included new road drainage, curb and gutter, concrete pavement, traffic signals, replacement of the Harrington Drain and restoration work. The project widened Garfield Road to three lanes with a northbound lane, southbound lane and a center turn lane.

14 Mile Road. Rehabilitation work took place on 14 Mile Road as part of two projects in Sterling Heights and Warren and in Clinton Township and Roseville. Rehabilitation work took place between Van Dyke Avenue (M-53) and Hoover Road included pavement milling, base repair, asphalt overlay, structure adjustments, curb and gutter replacement, pavement markings and restoration work. Rehabilitation work was also completed between Kelly Road and Gratiot Avenue (M-3) and included pavement milling, base repair, asphalt overlay, curb and gutter replacement, pavement markings and restoration work.

2026 preview

Looking forward, MCDR has an extensive mix of work and more than $88 million in infrastructure investments planned for 2026. Below are a few notable projects anticipated to take place in 2026.

A full list of projects that were completed in 2025 and proposed projects that are anticipated to take place in 2026 are listed below. 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.

The State of Macomb County Roads presentation is available online.