Transportation (Bridges)

in committee · Michigan · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 959: Transportation: railroads; wayside detector systems; provide for. Amends 1993 PA 354 (MCL 462.101 - 462.451) by adding secs. 280, 281, 282, 283, 284 & 285.

Senate Bill 959 requires railroads operating in Michigan to install and maintain wayside detector systems that scan trains for defects like hot wheel bearings and dragging equipment. The bill sets specific rules for how often these systems must be placed along tracks, depending on the size of the railroad, and mandates that alerts be sent immediately to train operators so they can stop or repair issues safely. It also gives the state Office of Rail the authority to investigate railroads that refuse to cooperate and requires a report on derailments caused by bearing or axle failures by the end of 2028.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates safety systems for railroads to prevent defects, enhancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail

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in committee · Michigan · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 5683: Highways: bridges; use of property at the Gordie Howe International Bridge; provide for. Amends sec. 2 of 1941 PA 205 (MCL 252.52).

This bill amends Michigan's highway law to clarify how state-owned property at the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit can be used for commercial activities. It allows the state transportation department to lease facilities at international border crossings for selling goods intended for export and consumption outside the United States, as well as for customs brokering services. The legislation also permits the department to enter into agreements for electronic travel information devices, logo signage, and vending machine operations, with all generated revenue deposited into state funds. These provisions apply specifically to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill clarifies and expands use of state-owned bridge property for commercial activities, enhancing transportation infrastructure utilization at international border crossings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Ports Roads & Highways

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in committee · Michigan · House Feb 24, 2026

HB 5543: Transportation: funds; allowable annual appropriation to the state trunk line fund for deposit in the grade crossing surface account; increase. Amends sec. 10 of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.660).

HB 5543 increases the annual funding for grade crossing surface improvements from $3 million to $6 million per year by amending Section 10(1)(b) of Michigan's Transportation Fund Act (MCL 247.660). This change directs more state transportation funds toward safety and surface repairs at railroad crossings - locations where roads intersect train tracks - across Michigan. The bill specifically adjusts the allocation within the state trunk line fund, ensuring doubled resources for maintaining these critical infrastructure points. It does not alter other funding mechanisms but directly affects how money is distributed for grade crossing safety upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases annual transportation safety funding from $3M to $6M via state budget reallocation, directly boosting public infrastructure spending.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly increases annual funding for grade crossing safety improvements from $3M to $6M, directly advancing transportation infrastructure safety within Michigan's transportation fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 30, 2025

HB 4084: Transportation: funds; funding for sound wall projects; provide for. Amends 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.651 - 247.675) by adding sec. 14b.

HB 4084 creates a state program to fund sound walls and other noise-reduction measures along Michigan's state trunk line highways where no such barriers currently exist. It directs the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to provide grants or loans to local road authorities for constructing or maintaining these noise barriers. The program uses a scoring system prioritizing cost-effectiveness, noise reduction for residential areas (minimum 5 decibels), existing noise levels, and benefits to schools/parks. MDOT must publicly report annual applications, approvals, and project outcomes to legislative committees.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds noise-reduction infrastructure for highways via MDOT grants, directly advancing transportation safety and infrastructure maintenance as per bill's core purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

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in committee · Michigan · House Sep 24, 2025

HB 5029: Highways: bridges; movable bridge fund; modify. Amends sec. 11g of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.661g).

HB 5029 modifies Michigan's Movable Bridge Fund to clarify how funds are distributed for the operation of publicly owned movable bridges (like drawbridges). It requires bridge owners and operators to submit annual operational cost data, which the state transportation department uses to calculate fund distributions based on estimated costs. The fund, which retains unused money year-to-year, may also cover required federal bridge inspections or analyses if no other funding exists - until December 2030. Operational costs covered include routine operation expenses (e.g., staffing), but exclude maintenance, repairs, or capital improvements.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies fund distribution for bridge operations and inspections, ensuring continued funding for critical infrastructure maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Transportation Funding

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passed both · Michigan · House Dec 10, 2025

HB 4470: Highways: bridges; Mackinac Bridge; designate as a key facility. Amends sec. 552c of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.552c).

HB 4470 amends Michigan's penal code to designate specific portions of the Mackinac Bridge (those not open to or intended for public use) as a "key facility" under existing law. This means unauthorized entry onto these bridge sections - when enclosed by barriers like water and properly posted with signage - would become a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. The bill adds the Mackinac Bridge to a list of protected critical infrastructure, including power plants, water facilities, and chemical plants, all requiring physical barriers and visible signage to enforce entry restrictions. It does not change current penalties or posting requirements but extends them specifically to the Mackinac Bridge's restricted areas.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new felony offense for unauthorized bridge entry, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties without reform context.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill designates Mackinac Bridge sections as protected critical infrastructure, enhancing security for transportation asset per highway bridge subject and penal code amendment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges

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passed both · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2025

HB 4230: Taxation: other; neighborhood road fund; create and provide for the distribution of the fund. Amends 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.651 - 247.675) by adding sec. 13c.

HB 4230 creates a new "neighborhood road fund" in Michigan's state treasury, funded by $100 million annually from income tax revenues (specifically from Section 695 of the 1967 Income Tax Act). This fund directly affects county road commissions, city and village road agencies, and the local bridge advisory board. Key provisions require $100 million yearly to be reserved exclusively for repairing closed, restricted, and critical bridges (managed by the advisory board), while the remaining funds are distributed to road agencies based on their road mileage - $100,000 per county commission plus a mileage-based share for all counties, and similarly for cities/villages. The bill specifies these funds must cover road preservation, maintenance, and preventative work without requiring local matching funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirectly allocates $100M annual income tax revenue to fund bridge repairs, strengthening infrastructure through dedicated budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates $100M annual fund specifically for repairing critical bridges and roads, directly funding transportation infrastructure maintenance as stated in bill summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Michigan · House Nov 4, 2025

HB 5175: Highways: construction and repair; 10-year warranty contract on state road projects; require. Amends 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.651 - 247.675) by adding sec. 13c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5176'25

HB 5175 requires that for new highway construction or full bridge reconstruction starting January 2026, contractors must provide a 10-year maintenance contract covering design, building, operation, and upkeep of the project. This applies to state and local road agencies, making contractors responsible for repairs (like potholes or snow removal) for a decade or until the first major preventative maintenance, whichever comes later. The bill specifies that contractors aren’t liable for disaster damage (e.g., floods or storms), and annual payments must remain at least 10% of peak annual payments. It directly affects road construction projects, contractors, and taxpayers by shifting long-term maintenance responsibility to private entities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesShifts long-term maintenance costs to contractors, reducing future state spending and promoting fiscal responsibility through contractual obligations.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires 10-year maintenance contracts for highway projects, ensuring long-term infrastructure upkeep and reducing future repair costs through contractor accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

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in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 216: A resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as embodied in H.R. 5356 or equivalent legislation.

HR 216 is a procedural resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as described in H.R. 5356. It does not create new funding but proposes a public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt to finance infrastructure projects like road repairs, school upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and affordable housing. The resolution highlights Michigan's infrastructure challenges - such as 33% of roads in poor condition and 11% of bridges deemed structurally deficient - and cites widespread support from state legislatures and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests congressional action but does not enact policy changes itself.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly cites school upgrades as a key infrastructure project to be funded by the proposed National Infrastructure Bank, aligning with education infrastructure improvements.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly lists 'affordable housing' as a project to be financed by the proposed National Infrastructure Bank, directly supporting funding for this topic.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges Congress to support National Infrastructure Bank funding road repairs, bridge maintenance, and infrastructure projects as highlighted by Michigan's road/bridge conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Bridges

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signed · Michigan · Senate Oct 8, 2025

SB 578: Highways: bridges; movable bridge fund; modify and create neighborhood roads fund. Amends sec. 11g of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.661g) & adds sec. 13c. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4180'25, HB 4181'25, HB 4182'25, HB 4183'25, HB 4951'25, HB 4961'25, HB 4968'25

SB 578 creates a new Neighborhood Roads Fund to support maintenance of local neighborhood streets and modifies the existing Movable Bridge Fund to improve bridge infrastructure funding. The bill changes how these funds are managed and allocated, directly affecting local governments responsible for road and bridge upkeep. Key provisions include establishing dedicated funding sources for neighborhood roads and adjusting eligibility rules for bridge repair projects. These changes clarify state funding streams for community infrastructure without altering tax rates or new construction policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates dedicated Neighborhood Roads Fund and modifies Movable Bridge Fund, allocating state budget for essential infrastructure maintenance and local government support.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates Neighborhood Roads Fund for local street maintenance and modifies Movable Bridge Fund to improve infrastructure funding, directly advancing transportation infrastructure investment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding