With record travel expected for this Independence Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on nearly 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.

AAA estimates more than 2.6 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, up 1 percent from last year, establishing a new record.

Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continuing until 6 a.m. Monday, July 6, 106 out of 177 MDOT projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most state road work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures. 

• Remember to buckle up, stay alert and avoid distractions at all times when driving.