NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION

Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

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.

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

MDOT reminds drivers to avoid toll road scam

Fast facts:

  • The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding drivers to follow tips shared by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to avoid toll road scams.

  • A recent scam shared with MDOT, includes an imposter government website, mimicking MDOT’s official site.

  • MDOT does not operate toll roads and will not solicit payment for bridge tolls via text.

LANSING, Mich. ­– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding drivers to follow tips and guidelines issued by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, helping Michiganders to avoid falling victim to recent tolling and government imposter scams.

MDOT officials have been made aware of the newest toll road scam, including an imposter government website, which mimics MDOT’s official site, but carries a different URL address. MDOT reminds all drivers that Michigan does not have toll roads and will never solicit payment via text or include threatening verbiage to avoid late fees or harsher penalties.

Attorney General Nessel also is reminding consumers that government agencies: 

  • Will not request personal information through email, over the phone or text.

  • Will never demand money through email, over the phone or text. They will mail you a notice and offer payment options.

  • Do not ask for or take payment by prepaid gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.  

This screenshot is being included in a recent round of toll road scam attempts, mimicking MDOT’s website, but featuring a different URL address.

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

MATS Active Transportation Maps - Waterways & Trails

MATS has developed a set of maps that highlight water and trail access across the Midland Area. These resources provide essential information to help people find the best location to start their active transportation journey. Active transportation refers to travel that involves physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or using non-motorized vehicles, like skateboards or scooters.

The kayak and canoe access map offers detailed information on various launch sites, potential other activities, distance to the next launch, and launch type, making it simpler for paddlers to organize their water trips.

Similarly, the walking, hiking, and biking trail map provides details on trail locations and sizes along with surface type to help users find their ideal path. It also includes other potential activities and connections to other trails and parks.

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

Proposed Non-Motorized Projects Open House May 19

The City of Midland, in partnership with the Midland Area Transportation Study (MATS), invites community members to learn more about two proposed non-motorized projects in Midland. An open house will take place on Monday, May 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the community room of the Law Enforcement Center, located at 2727 Rodd St.

Attendees will have the opportunity to review conceptual designs for the proposed Rodd St. and Stratford Woods non-motorized projects and provide feedback on those designs. These project concepts were developed through a multi-agency pilot project coordinated by MATS which seeks to increase utilization of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding throughout Michigan. TAP is a source of federal funding which supports the construction of non-motorized transportation infrastructure. This planning and feasibility pilot will enable the City to pursue a grant for construction of the projects laid out below, which could cover between 50-80% of the project cost.

The pilot projects are as follows: 

  • The Stratford Woods Multi-Use Path Connector: A new multi-use path connecting Patrick Rd.’s existing multi-use path to E. Ashman St. via the gas pipeline right-of-way and Stratford Woods. This project aligns with the City Master Plan and the MATS long-range transportation plan.

  • Rodd St. Non-Motorized Transportation Route: Implementation of a non-motorized transportation route along Rodd St. from Ann St. to Cambridge St., informed by feedback received during the Ashman and Rodd St. community conversations. 

  • E. Patrick Rd. Multi-Use Path: An extension of the existing multi-use path on the south side of Patrick Rd. from its current terminus east of Illinois Dr. to the eastern city limits. This proposed path would connect with a proposed Bay County connector trail east of the city limits that is also part of the pilot program. An open house on this project will occur at a later date.

    For more information or questions regarding non-motorized pathway plans in Midland, please contact the Planning and Community Development Department at (989) 837-3374 or email planning@midland-mi.org

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

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!

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

Comment on the MATS FY26-29 TIP Report and Proposed Projects

MATS is excited to announce the release of the proposed 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and we want to hear from you! The TIP outlines federally funded transportation improvements planned for the Midland area over the next four years.

 

How to Participate:

You can review and comment on the draft TIP document here: https://www.midlandmpo.org/fy26-29-tip. You can also provide comment through our website at midlandmpo.org or by emailing Alicia Williams, Transportation Planner, at aliciaw@midlandmpo.org or Maja Bolanowska, Director, at majab@midlandmpo.org.

We encourage you to share your feedback and comments by May 18, 2025.

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

MATS Draft FY 2026 UWP

The MATS FY 2026 Unified Work Program (UWP) outlines the transportation planning activities that MATS will undertake from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. It details the funding sources, budgets, and tasks necessary to support regional transportation goals while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. The UWP helps coordinate resources efficiently, guiding the planning process for the Midland area’s transportation network.

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Alicia Williams Alicia Williams

Wintertime Active Transportation

MATS has created a set of maps that highlight winter activity opportunities and trail access across the Midland Area. These resources offer essential information to help people discover the best locations to enjoy a variety of winter sports.

The winter activities map features trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice skating, ensuring winter enthusiasts can easily find the perfect spot to enjoy the season. The map includes details on trail locations, terrain type, and potential connections to other winter sports areas, making it easier for users to plan their outdoor adventures.

Additionally, the trail map outlines key routes for walking, hiking, and biking, with information on trail locations, sizes, and surface types, helping users find the best path for their preferred activity. The map also highlights connections to other trails and parks, ensuring a seamless experience for all.

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