travel

Port Huron Kicks Off Major Improvement Projects Affecting Access

Starting today, Sept. 3, Port Huron will begin two key improvement projects. The upper parking deck at the City Municipal Offices Center (MOC) is closed, including the payment drive-thru, with parking available on Merchant Street and south of the MOC. An overnight drop box has also been relocated to the south lot.

Additionally, 7th Street from Water Street to Wall Street will be closed for repaving, curb and sidewalk ramp upgrades, and lawn restoration. Detours will be in place. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-November. 

For inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works at porthuron.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Lifts Lane Restrictions On Labor Day Weekend To Ease Travel

This Labor Day weekend, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will temporarily remove lane restrictions on 60% of road and bridge projects statewide. Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 96 of 161 ongoing projects will have restrictions lifted to reduce traffic delays for holiday travelers.

“Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to enjoy the last of our Pure Michigan summer,” said Whitmer. “We’re pulling back construction barrels to ensure safe and smooth travel, but rest assured, we’ll be back to fixing the roads come Tuesday.”

Drivers are reminded of the Mackinac Bridge closure on Labor Day morning for the Annual Bridge Walk, and to drive safely through any remaining work zones.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

REAL ID Act Enforcement Begins May 2025 For Federal Facility Access And Air Travel

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, will require state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet federal security standards for certain official purposes. These include accessing federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, will only accept REAL ID-compliant licenses and identification cards, which feature a star marking, at airport security checkpoints. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also valid for these purposes, even without the star.

Travelers should ensure their identification meets the REAL ID requirements before the enforcement date to avoid disruptions when flying or accessing federal sites.

For more information, visit: dhs.gov/real-id.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

TSA Prepares For Record Labor Day Travel, Expected To Screen 17 Million Passengers

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for the busiest Labor Day travel period on record, spanning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4. 

TSA expects to screen over 17 million passengers, with the peak travel day projected for Aug. 30, when 2.86 million passengers will be processed.

Air travel volumes this summer have reached historic highs, with passenger numbers up 8.5% from last year. TSA has already screened 239.8 million passengers since Memorial Day.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske praised the agency’s workforce for their commitment to security during this busy time. He encouraged travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck® to reduce wait times. PreCheck members experience shorter lines and a streamlined security process by not removing shoes, belts, or laptops.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Governor Whitmer Eases Traffic Restrictions For 4th of July Travel

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced starting today at 3 p.m., traffic restrictions will be lifted on nearly 60% of road and bridge projects statewide to alleviate delays for holiday travelers. AAA estimates over 2.6 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more from home this Fourth of July weekend, setting a new record for the second consecutive year.

“Fourth of July weekend is a time to come together with family and friends,” said Whitmer. “To ensure Michiganders can get to their destinations safely and on time, we’re lifting traffic restrictions.”

The traffic restrictions will be lifted until 6 a.m. Monday, July 8th, 105 out of 174 projects will have lane restrictions removed. 

For the latest updates, visit: Michigan.gov/Drive.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Maintenance Project To Close Eastbound Span Of Blue Water Bridge Starting May 29th

Beginning May 29th, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will initiate a comprehensive maintenance project on the eastbound span of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) connecting Port Huron, MI and Point Edward, Ontario. To facilitate this project, MDOT will close the eastbound span, redirecting both directions of BWB traffic onto the westbound span.

In efforts to mitigate traffic disruptions, MDOT will allocate lanes on the westbound span for eastbound and westbound traffic. However, certain accommodations will be impacted, including the inability to reserve lanes for commuter pass holders and buses, as well as restrictions on wide loads exceeding 10 feet.

Collaborating with the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), MDOT aims to minimize inconvenience to travelers while ensuring the safety and reliability of this vital economic link between Canada and the United States.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell