Toward Zero Deaths - Teen Drivers Can Become Work Zone Safe

The goal is zero fatalities and serious injuries on Michigan roads through the implementation of the Safe System Approach. Since last week, 28 people died on Michigan roadways making a total of 771 this year. In addition, 140 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 4,051 to date.

Compared to last year at this time, there are 9 more fatalities and 100 fewer serious injuries.

Numbers are provided by the Michigan State Police.

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2024, there were 476,301 licensed drivers aged 15–20 who represented 6.3% of Michigan’s driving population. Sadly, the drivers in this age group represented 10.0% of drivers in all crashes and 7.3% of drivers in fatal crashes.

For teen drivers, the most common hazardous action coded was unable to stop in assured clear distance. Speed too fast was the most common hazardous action coded for fatal crashes. When driving in a work zone, it is important to slow down, stay focused and give yourself extra time.

That is why the ATSS Foundation has partnered with WorkZoneSafe.com to launch a National Work Zone Safe Teen Driver program. The online course is 100% free and modernizes work zone safety education.

This free 50-minute course gives teen drivers ages 15-19 the opportunity to learn about work zone safety. The program is available nationwide, offering a comprehensive national course alongside tailored state-specific versions for Oklahoma and Wisconsin, all designed with a focus on addressing teen driving behavior. The course includes work zone-focused information, like what to do when a driver sees a flagger, what to do while in a work zone, how to get around a truck and more.

Teens who successfully complete the online course are recognized and rewarded for their commitment to work zone safety.

• Receive a Certificate of Completion,

• Entered into a monthly $500 educational scholarship drawing provided by Association of Oklahoma General Contractors or ATSS Foundation, and

• May be eligible for a safe driver discount through various insurance companies by providing their completion certificate.

Visit WorkZoneSafe.com to take the course. For more information about the Teen Driver Program visit Teen Driver Program - ATSS Foundation.

City of Midland - Poseville Preserve Project Update

The Poseyville Preserve Project has reached an exciting milestone with the full installation of the pedestrian walkway, officially named Founders Crossing.

With this progress, E. Main Street between the Poseyville Bridge and State Street is now open to vehicle traffic and parking. Please note that the south sidewalk along the Tittabawassee River will remain closed until the project is completed later this fall. Public access to Founders Crossing will also remain restricted until the project is fully complete.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Poseyville Preserve Project is scheduled for December 2, 2025.

So, what is the Poseyville Preserve Project?
This initiative restores a former industrial site into a natural riparian ecosystem native to the region. Project features include:

• Founders Crossing pedestrian walkway spanning the Tittabawassee River

• Accessible fishing opportunities

• Connections to walking and biking paths

• Expanded public access to the riverfront

For more information, visit the City of Midland’s project page.

2024 Michigan traffic crashes and fatalities

September 9, 2025 – The goal is zero fatalities and serious injuries on Michigan roads through the implementation of the Safe System Approach. Since last week, 28 people died on Michigan roadways making a total of 688 this year. In addition, 128 more were seriously injured for a statewide total of 3,674 to date.

Compared to last year at this time, there are 11 more fatalities and 55 fewer serious injuries.

Numbers are provided by the Michigan State Police.

The number of overall traffic crashes and fatalities on Michigan roadways rose slightly in 2024, according to recently released data from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). In 2024, the total number of crashes (288,880) was 927 higher than in 2023. Also last year, while the number of fatalities (1,099) on Michigan roads increased by 4, the number of serious injuries (5,781) decreased by 35 when compared to 2023 (1,095 and 5,816, respectively).

Unfortunately, in 2024, bicyclists experienced profound increases in crashes and/or fatalities from 2023’s statistics. Bicyclist involved crashes (1,773) rose 20%, and bicyclist fatalities (29) rose 21%. While pedestrian involved crashes (2,131) rose 1%, pedestrian fatalities decreased by 15%. Other changes include:

• Work zone involved fatalities (28) rose 17%.

• Motorcycle involved crashes (3,187) increased 4%, and motorcyclist fatalities (168) increased 2%.

• School bus involved crashes (1,044) increased 6%.

Comparing 2024’s statistics to 2023’s numbers, other key findings include:

• Teen (aged 13-19) fatalities (77) rose 17%, while young drivers (aged 20 and younger) crashes decreased by 1%.

• Older driver involved (aged 65 and over) crashes (57,318) increased 4%.

• Drug involved crashes (2,315) rose 3%, and drug-involved fatalities (272) rose 6%.

• Alcohol involved fatalities (307) increased 3%, but alcohol-involved crashes (8,542) fell 3%.

• Distracted driving involved fatalities (65) rose 10%, while distracted driving-involved crashes (14,439) decreased 5%.

To review the crash data report and other related documents, visit the 2024 crash data page.

2021-2024 PASER & Bridge Conditions – State of Michigan and MATS Area Comparison

The Midland Area Transportation Study (MATS) has released a new analysis comparing road and bridge conditions across Michigan and within the MATS area between 2021 and 2024. Using data from the Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) Dashboard, the report highlights important trends in pavement and bridge health that guide local and statewide investment decisions.

Roads:
The Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) system shows that, statewide, road conditions have been relatively stable, but with a gradual increase in roads rated “Good.” In the MATS area, improvements are more pronounced, particularly on county roads, where the share of “Good” roads now outpaces the statewide average. City and village roads remain the most challenged, but recent data suggests a positive turnaround with fewer “Poor” ratings than in past years.

Bridges:
Bridge conditions present a more mixed picture. Across Michigan, most bridges remain in “Fair” condition, but the share of bridges in “Severe” condition has increased since 2021. Locally, trunkline bridges in Midland, Bay, and Saginaw counties follow statewide trends, while county-owned bridges show greater signs of deterioration. Municipal bridges, such as those in Midland and Sanford, remain stable with nearly all rated “Fair.”

2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant Application Now Open

We’re thrilled to share that applications are now open for the 2025 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day mini-grants!

Every year on November 14, students, communities, and educators across the country come together to honor the incredible bravery of Ruby Bridges. In 1960, Ruby was just six years old when she became the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans.

Ruby’s walk changed history. Her courage helped ignite the civil rights movement and opened the doors to generations of students. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a chance to help young people reflect on her bravery, talk about justice and anti-racism, and take steps, literally and figuratively, toward a better, more inclusive future for all.

To support schools and communities in this important work, we’re offering $500 or $1,000 mini-grants to help bring your celebrations to life.

Northbound I-75, Zilwaukee Bridge closing Aug. 4 – Nov. 14 for maintenance in Saginaw County

SAGINAW, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $2.9 million for preventive maintenance work on the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw County. Northbound I-75 and the Zilwaukee Bridge will be closed from Kochville to Wadsworth roads for the first stage of this work. Other improvements include expansion joint repair, deck patching and resealing. Work on southbound I-75 was completed earlier this year.

Traffic restrictions:
Northbound I-75 will be closed and detoured to northbound I-675 from the I-75/I-675 interchange south of Wadsworth Road to the northbound I-675 junction north of Kochville Road.

The westbound M-81 ramp to northbound I-75 will be closed during this work. Traffic will be detoured via southbound I-75 to I-675 northbound near Wadsworth Road.

The southbound M-13 ramp to northbound I-75, as well as the northbound I-75 ramp to northbound M-13 will be closed. Traffic for the southbound M-13 ramp to northbound I-75 will be detoured via southbound I-75 to northbound I-675. Traffic for the I-75 ramp to northbound M-13 will be detoured via westbound M-81 to westbound M-13.

The southbound I-675 ramp to northbound I-75 also will be closed. Traffic will be detoured via southbound I-675, M-46 to northbound I-75.

2025 Midland Area Transportation Construction Projects

Planned by Local, County, and State Agencies Across the MATS Region

The Midland Area Transportation Study (MATS) works with many partners to plan and fund transportation improvements. In 2025, several road, bridge, and safety projects will be taking place throughout the region. These projects are led by different implementing agencies, including local governments, road commissions, and MDOT.

Midland County Sheriff - Emergency & Alerts Application

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office app is available for download. The app is free, and can be found by searching, “Midland County Sheriff, MI” in your app store.

One of the important features include– emergency notifications and alerts. The Sheriff’s Department will be pushing out emergency information in real time for things such as road closures, serious weather conditions, and criminal matters that we feel are important to share in urgent situations.

 Please feel free to share the app with your family and friends as well!