LANSING, MI — Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently toured road repair work on Mound Road in Sterling Heights. As part of the governor’s fourth bipartisan and balanced budget, she secured $32 million for the Innovate Mound project, which is reconstructing the high-traffic road between I-696 and M-59 and adding a fourth lane in each direction from 17 Mile Road to M-59. Once complete, this project will create a user-friendly corridor that is safe for motorized vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians incorporating state-of-the-art design methods and smart technology.

“Since taking office, I have taken action to fix the damn roads and keep Michiganders safe as they go to work, run errands, and visit family,” Whitmer said. “By rebuilding Mound Road, a key economic and travel corridor in Macomb County, we are connecting communities, families, and small businesses. By the end of 2022, over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges will be repaired by thousands of hardworking Michiganders. In the state that put the world on wheels, everyone deserves access to roads that get them where they need to go without blowing an axle or cracking a windshield, and I’m willing to work with anyone to get it done.”

Innovate Mound is a construction project updating Mound Road from I-696 north to M-59, and widening Mound Road to four lanes between 17 Mile Road and M-59. Construction began in the summer of 2021, and the estimated completion date is 2024. By rebuilding Mound Round, Michigan drivers will have a safer and smoother commute, saving them time and money. Additionally, local economies will benefit by ensuring the roadway can handle increased traffic from economic development. Approximately 100 lane miles, including intersections and turn arounds will be repaired in this project.

“Innovate Mound showcases what can be accomplished when multiple levels of government work together to improve their community,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “The magnitude and impact of Innovate Mound is unlike any other local project in the U.S. Macomb County, along with our project partners, are making a significant investment in Mound Road and the future of the region. We recognize that there are many more infrastructure needs across the county, and we will continue to fight for the funding to help fix our roads and bridges.”

“Through the historic investment that we passed in the budget this year, we are delivering on our promise to fix Mound Road, create countless good-paying jobs, and support small and large businesses in the area,” said state Senator Paul Wojno. “Fixing our roads and bridges requires all of us to work together because these are issues that cross party lines and affect everyone. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate, House, and Governor’s office by investing in our future and keeping dollars in the wallets of hardworking Macomb families.”

"Working together is how we deliver for our communities,” said state Representative Kevin Hertel. “Mound Road is critical to the economic success of our region and state. I look forward to the continued work to make these critical investments to our infrastructure."

“The funding going to Mound Road shows that bipartisanship still exists in Lansing,” said state Representative Nate Shannon. “Macomb has been fighting for this funding for years, and I am very grateful it was secured in this year's budget. The Governor and legislators from both sides of the aisle came together to make Mound Road and Macomb County a priority.”

“Mound Road is one of the most important corridors in southeast Michigan that connects people, communities, and commerce,” said Bryan Santo, Director of the Macomb County Department of Roads. “With our federal, state, and local partners, we’re building a high-quality, long-lasting roadway that will incorporate the future of mobility and technology to create a modern, efficient, and reliable corridor that will serve our region for decades to come.”