Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0043

Introduced
1/26/23  
Refer
1/26/23  
Report Pass
3/22/23  
Refer
3/22/23  
Report Pass
3/22/23  
Engrossed
3/23/23  
Refer
3/23/23  
Report Pass
6/20/23  
Enrolled
10/3/23  
Chaptered
10/24/23  

Caption

Highways: construction and repair; use of certain traffic control devices when closing a freeway or portion of freeway; require under certain conditions. Amends sec. 1 of 1917 PA 165 (MCL 247.291) & adds secs. 1a & 1b.

Impact

The modifications to the law will have a significant impact on how highway closures are managed across Michigan. The requirement for crashworthy barriers aims to enhance the safety of road workers and the traveling public by preventing accidental intrusions into construction zones. This could lead to reduced accidents and injuries during construction activities. Additionally, by allowing the state transportation department to exercise engineering judgment, the legislation accommodates various site-specific conditions, ensuring both flexibility and safety in implementation.

Summary

Senate Bill 43, approved on October 19, 2023, amends existing legislation governing the closing of highways during construction or repair. The bill specifically mandates that when a freeway or portion of it is closed, concrete or equivalent crashworthy temporary barriers must be used to ensure safety for both traffic and road workers. This legislation arises in response to increasing concerns over the adequacy of traffic controls during such closures and aims to standardize practices across Michigan. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, indicating a collaborative legislative effort on this matter.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 43 appears generally supportive among lawmakers and safety advocates. The rationale behind the bill stems from a consensus that enhancing traffic control during closures can avert accidents and improve overall road safety. However, there may be concerns from construction contractors regarding the costs and logistics of implementing these safety measures, which might be a point of discussion among certain stakeholders.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the balance between safety requirements and economic considerations for construction projects. While proponents argue that the law enhances safety, some critics may raise concerns about potential delays or increased costs associated with road closures and the necessity of adhering to the newly mandated safety measures. Furthermore, the bill's requirement for crashworthy barriers could be scrutinized by those who argue that it could complicate minor repair projects, although exceptions exist for short-duration operations. Overall, the legislative discussions are expected to evolve as the bill is implemented and as stakeholders assess its long-term effects.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI SB0314

Construction: other; use of design-build constructing for certain school buildings; allow. Amends secs. 1, 1a & 2 of 1937 PA 306 (MCL 388.851 et seq.).

MI HB4603

Construction: other; use of design-build constructing for certain school buildings; allow. Amends secs. 1, 1a & 2 of 1937 PA 306 (MCL 388.851 et seq.).

MI HB4656

Transportation: other; road construction projects that shut down all lanes of a road; prohibit. Amends sec. 1 of 1917 PA 165 (MCL 247.291).

MI HB4132

Traffic control: speed restrictions; use of automated traffic enforcement devices in work zones to enforce speed limit reductions; allow. Amends secs. 79d, 907 & 909 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.79d et seq.) & adds secs. 2c, 627c & 907a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4133'23

MI HB4126

Traffic control: speed restrictions; procedure for establishing certain speed limits; eliminate sunset. Amends sec. 627 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.627).

MI HB5059

Highways: memorial; portion of M-39; designate as the "Bishop P.A. Brooks Memorial Freeway". Amends 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1001 - 250.2092) by adding sec. 113.

MI SB0252

Highways: construction and repair; definition of work zone; modify. Amends sec. 79d of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.79d).

MI AB2472

State freeways: air space.

MI SB0365

Traffic control: traffic regulation; filtering between lanes by a motorcycle; allow under certain conditions. Amends sec. 660 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.660).

MI HB4137

Traffic control: speed restrictions; determination in accordance with traffic engineering practices; modify. Amends sec. 628 of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.628).

Similar Bills

CA AB752

State highways: worker safety.

US SB4299

She DRIVES Act She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety Act

US SB161

She DRIVES Act She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety Act

IA HSB740

A bill for an act relating to the use of automated traffic enforcement systems on the primary road system.(See HF 2681.)

IA HF2681

A bill for an act relating to automated traffic systems, including for traffic law enforcement and for capture of registration plate images, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 740.) Effective date: 05/17/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HSB161

A bill for an act relating to the use of automated traffic enforcement systems on the primary road system.(See HF 629.)

IA HF629

A bill for an act relating to the use of automated traffic enforcement systems on the primary road system.(Formerly HSB 161.)

MI SR0061

A resolution to recognize June 2023 as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Construction Technicians, Engineers, and Contractors Appreciation Month.