Bulletins

Continued price volatility at the pump and MDOT’s recent advertisement of a $70 million project (I-94/US-131 in the SW Region) with a 2½ year progress schedule has prompted discussions about price escalator provisions. In response to inquiries made at the pre-bid meeting for that project, MDOT leadership expressed a willingness

MITA Gives Boost to AT&T’s $500 Million Investment Project Legislation expected to spur a $500 million private investment in underground infrastructure was given a helpful boost by MITA last week at the state capitol. On Wednesday, MITA testified in favor of legislation which would open the doors for AT&T to

State Unveils $34 Million in Clean Water Projects The MDEQ will distribute $34.5 million in low-interest loans to eight water quality projects across the state, according to an announcement made last week. Manistee, Dearborn and Huron County will receive money from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) for three wastewater treatment

The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring that all work zone traffic control equipment is NCHRP 350 compliant per section 922.01 of the 2003 Standard Specifications for Construction and the contract documents. Temporary sign panels, supports, cones, drums, and Type III barricades must meet the NCHRP 350 crashworthy requirements. MDOT

Governor signs “Local Jobs Today” legislation Program provides federal match to local communities and road agencies This week Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation to provide $80 million in much-needed state funding to expedite $400 million in local road projects in 2006 and 2007. “This is great news for Michigan’s economy”,

After benchmarking against other state departments of transportation and considering the input of the construction industry as well as the consulting engineer community, MDOT has decided not to expand its in-house Design-Build (D/B) capability at this time. Although MDOT recognizes D/B can be beneficial in terms of saving time in

Launch of new Web site to provide resource on transportation issues in Michigan LANSING, Mich. — Michigan business and labor leaders are joining forces again to tackle Michigan’s long-standing practice of underfunding transportation needs. “Everyone knows gas prices are skyrocketing but few people realize that less and less money is going

MITA staff has been meeting with MDOT central office and regional leadership to discuss current concerns and issues from both industry and MDOT perspectives. MDOT has indicated that there will be heightened focus in the following areas this upcoming construction season. 1. Prevailing wages – MDOT will be conducting more

Effective with the May letting the pay item for Minor Traf Devices and Flag Control will state the maximum amount that can be bid for each of those items. These changes are being implemented by MDOT with no input from MITA in reaction to their perception that bidders continue to inappropriately bid those items. MDOT believes

MITA Protects $2.5 Million of Road Dollars from Being Diverted in Alternative Fuels Plan Legislation designed to promote greater alternative fuel use recently passed the House of Representatives. The legislation offers up to $2.5 million in tax reductions for anyone purchasing E85 (ethanol) fuel or bio-diesel. Bill sponsors believe a