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Michigan's road construction costs are on the rise

Inflation is increasing the cost of major road projects in Michigan.

But transportation officials said this year's work to fix the roads will continue unabated.

Labor and materials costs for roads have increased across the nation including Michigan, said Jeff Cranson.

He's a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation. But he said it's won't stop any of the major projects already in the works.

Those include a major project for 496 in Lansing, as well as work on I-96 in West Michigan, I-275, and parts of M-59 and I-96.

"Maybe in later years they'll have to adjust the five-year program because of that, maybe reprioritize some things, but you're not going to see that happen any time soon."

The current work is being paid for mainly through bonds issued by the state DOT.

Cranson said the state has been underinvesting in its roads for decades and it could take a long time to improve the situation.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Radio as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.