This Labor Day weekend the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is moving orange barrels to the side of the road and removing lane restrictions on 56 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays and increase safety for holiday travelers.   

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 93 out of 166 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.? 

The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk. 

Drivers are also reminded that Michigan recently became the 26th state to establish hands-free driving laws. These new laws took effect June 30.