George James

Road Construction to Begin with “Bridge Bundling” Pilot Program

Once the potholes are filled in, the orange barrels will start rolling out for this year’s road construction season. The Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a pilot program to streamline and bundle bridge projects with hopes of making them more cost-effective.

The bridge-bundling pilot program is getting started with nineteen bridge projects, including the Palms Road project in St. Clair County. Macomb County will see bridge construction on 33 Mile Road, 31 Mile Road, and 26 Mile Road.

 MDOT Chief Bridge Engineer Matt Chynoweth said, ”The pilot includes 19 local agency-owned bridges around the state with major bridge elements in serious or critical condition. The scope of work for these bridges is superstructure replacement, which includes full removal and replacement of the bridge deck and supporting beams.”

The construction is planned to begin in March and be completed in 60 to 90 days. The project was bid at $24.3 million.

The public can track the bridgework with an online dashboard.

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4c3beb0ed01042a8b6df3623b987eae9

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Avian Flu Concerns Prompt Safety Guidance for Backyard Chickens; Detroit Zoo Brings Birds Inside

Avian flu has been detected in Michigan and the implications could be quite serious. While there is not a public health threat or any disruption to the food supply at this time, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking for vigilance in preventing an outbreak.

The highly-contagious disease was found in a backyard poultry flock in Kalamazoo County, but the whole state has been put on notice. The virus can be spread by wild birds, contact with infected poultry, and even through contaminated clothing or equipment.

Those with chickens or other poultry are asked to prevent contact with wild birds, disinfect boots and other gear, and practice thorough hand washing. Those who keep chickens or other poultry should use well water or municipal water for birds and keep feed away from possible contamination from wild birds.

In response to the notice from MDARD and the USDA, The Detroit Zoo has moved their birds indoors, including the free-roaming peacocks and the flamingos, ostriches, and other birds in exhibits. 

For more information on preventing an outbreak of Avian Flu:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/about/media/pressreleases/2022/02/24/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-detected-in-michigan-backyard-flock

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Gambling Disorders Soar One Year After Legalized Online Betting

Gambling is addictive and it is easier than ever to gamble with the legalization of online betting and sports betting in Michigan. People are inundated with billboards, television commercials, and other advertisements for the numerous online betting franchises that are now legal in Michigan.

Nearly triple the number of calls were made to the problem gambling hotline in 2021, compared to 2020. To address the increase in problem gambling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is addressing the growing problem in their annual gambling symposium. This year’s event is called “Gambling: The New Direction.”

Alia Lucas, MDHHS gambling disorder program manager said, “These platforms engage in a pay-to-play format, so by their nature they’re addicting and difficult to escape. This can lead to severe financial trouble, as well as strained personal and work relationships as people participate in these spaces more than ever before.”

For more information about the Gambling Disorder Symposium or the helpline:

14th Annual Gambling Disorder Symposium

Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Bad Year for Pot Holes; Tips for Avoiding Vehicle Damage

Pothole season is here and this one already seems to be a bad one. The craters that show up on Michigan roads are caused by the freeze-thaw weather pattern that has been particularly aggressive this year.

There is nothing you can do about the weather, but there are a few things that can be done to report potholes, avoid potholes, and deal with the aftermath of hitting a pothole.

Avoiding potholes is the best way to prevent damage to your vehicle, but sometimes they are unavoidable. Hitting a pothole can cause drivers to swerve and lead to collisions, so drivers need to have a strategy. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation says to make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your suspension and steering are in top shape to be able to handle the jarring effects of hitting a pothole.

If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down, but release the brakes before you hit it so you have full use of steering. Hitting a pothole head-on instead of at an angle could reduce damage to your vehicle as well.

MDOT has a “Report a Pothole” form that can be used to inform them of potholes on state roads. The names of state roads start with “I”, “M”, or “US”.

Report a Pothole 

Pothole Hotline at 888-296-4546.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Prescription Drug Price Reforms Signed into Law

A bipartisan legislative effort to lower prescription drug costs has been signed into law. The group of bills provide for the licensure of pharmacy benefit managers, regulate some costs, and allow for transparency.

The new laws prohibit pharmacy practices that drive up costs and prevent pharmacists from speaking openly with customers about drug options. Pharmacy benefit managers are now required to file transparency reports with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Patients will no longer have to pay a co-pay that is higher than the cost of the drug. Pharmacists will be able to provide the current selling prices of generic and brand-name drugs without being asked. The bills are expected to lower insulin costs in Michigan.

State Representative Julie Calley, who sponsored some of the legislation, said, “In 2017, 32% of Michigan residents stopped taking their medication as prescribed due to the cost. This impactful new law will directly improve the affordability and access of prescriptions. It also adds much-needed transparency into our healthcare system.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland