MDOT Lifts Lane Closures for Record Fourth of July Travel

Michiganders are expected to hit the roads in record numbers this Fourth of July weekend. Travel is projected to be up nearly 3% compared to 2024, according to AAA, with over 2.6 million residents expected to travel—2.4 million of them by car.

Record-Breaking Travel Expected Across Michigan

That means Michigan's highways, already under pressure from widespread road construction, could see serious congestion. Between lane restrictions and detours, how hard will it be to get where you're going?

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Thankfully, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is working to ease the journey. In a statement, MDOT announced that it will lift lane restrictions on 110 of the 179 active construction projects statewide.

When and Where Restrictions Will Be Lifted

Those restrictions will be suspended starting at 3 p.m. Thursday (7/3/2025) and remain lifted until 6 a.m. Monday (7/7/2025). However, drivers should still expect equipment and modified traffic patterns in many work zones—including temporary shifts and shoulder closures—even where crews are on break.

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Michigan State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich acknowledged the frustration drivers feel but stressed the importance of safety.

MDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Safe

'The men and women of MDOT know how frustrating work zones can be; we drive the same roads as everyone else,' he said. 'While we've been able to pull back the barrels as much as possible on state road projects for this record holiday weekend, some zones require all the barrels to remain in place for safety reasons.'