The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) has earned three prestigious IMPRESS Awards at the 2024 County Road Association (CRA) Highway Conference, a gathering that took place between March 19-21 in Lansing, Michigan. The MCDR was celebrated for its innovative practices in the realms of collaboration, communications, and operations, showcasing its efforts to significantly improve the county's infrastructure.
Laurels were given to Macomb's road pros for their ability to collaboratively secure a hefty $98 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant for the monumental Innovate Mound project, stated Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel, in words obtained by the MCDR. More than 70 major employers and over 100,000 drivers per day are poised to swiftly benefit from the Mound Road corridor's overhaul. This significant undertaking, which was officially concluded on time and budget in December of 2023, was only made possible through the collective effort of the county, cities like Warren and Sterling Heights, and the support of over a hundred business and community leaders.
On the communications front, the Macomb Work Zone grabbed the spotlight. This innovative weekly email service efficiently informs over 2,540 subscribers about lane closures and construction updates across hundreds of work zones in Macomb County. Not content to simply relay the information, the Macomb Work Zone additionally provides project locations, detour particulars, and estimated timelines for ongoing construction activities. Kicked off in 2022 with 460 subscribers, the service has experienced substantial growth, indicative of its value to the community.
In the operations category, the MCDR was awarded for the innovative technology integrated within the Innovate Mound project. The project features a pioneering hybrid communications network, which combines wireline and wireless systems to support traffic signals, cameras, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). This innovation allows the MCDR's Traffic Operations Center (TOC) to actively manage and monitor real-time traffic flow, signal operations, and emergency responses, as per Macomb County Department of Roads.
Reflecting on these accolades, Santo further proclaimed the crucial role of collaboration and communication in MCDR's operations, while also acknowledging the honor bestowed by the CRA. The department’s dedication is evident through its constant striving to ensure a safer, more efficient travel experience for Macomb's commuters.
