This May Be the Motor City, But I Hate Driving Here!

By Judi Markowitz / Detroit

Orange barrels, roadblocks, and detour signs have become the norm on Michigan roads. Our streets have been crumbling for years. Potholes need to be avoided in order to dodge a blown tire or worse, and roads with asphalt surfaces are cracking and showing their age. It’s a veritable nightmare that has been unfolding for decades. Even Waze, a popular navigation app, doesn’t know how to properly direct drivers anymore, because of the constant road closures and repairs.

The bane of my existence and that of my fellow Michiganders, has been dealing with the absurdity of this situation–and most don’t approach the road debacle with any sort of grace either. When encountering a new detour or road closure, swearing has become my favorite way to vent while driving in this insanity

In May, Jonathon Oosting wrote in Bridge Michigan, “Only 25 percent of state road and highway miles were rated in ‘good’ condition, along with 42 percent rated ‘fair’ and 33 percent ‘poor.’ Roads received a D and the overall infrastructure a C-. And the situation keeps getting worse. No wonder Michigan drivers are screaming at the top of their lungs.

Last week I was driving to a car dealership in Farmington Hills, Mich. The expressway near my house provides a direct route and I have driven it hundreds of times. However, due to all the construction, detours, and delayed traffic, my navigation system sent me on a whirlwind tour of back roads filled with bumpy terrain. And to top off this joy ride, I discovered that I was headed in the opposite direction of the dealership — I was actually on my way home! To say the least, I was aggravated but undeterred. I arrived an hour late for my appointment.

It has become clear that funds were wasted on road repairs in the past. My husband Jeffrey, who spent 30 years as a building superintendent, is of the opinion that the road commission chose to repair the existing repairs. In other words, they kept putting band-aids on what needed to be replaced.

This continual cycle of repairs has ultimately cost more in the long run. And now citizens are paying the price — with road closures, detours, traffic delays and noise pollution. It’s a debacle that could have been averted.

Each morning I wake to a cacophony of sounds from the equipment being used to repair the roads. The beeping of trucks backing up to get into position, and the grinding, sawing, and digging all contribute to the unpleasant notes of noise. It’s the beginning of summer and instead of enjoying the birds humming we must endure the constant barrage of thuds and crashes emitted from these construction sites.

A few days ago, I was in my kitchen and suddenly I heard clanking sounds from the chandelier in the dining room — the hanging crystals were actually swaying back and forth. I couldn’t comprehend why this was happening until I realized that it was the road construction near my house. The reverberations from the heavy excavating equipment could be felt on my street and who knows where else.

When my grandchildren came for a visit, I suggested that we go to the park around the block. Much to my dismay the streets on both sides of the park were torn up. However, the city did a nice job of placing the rolled-up tubing in what seemed like extra, extra-large garbage bags, away from the playground and curious kids. There were also cement drainpipes sitting at attention ready to be placed underground when the time was right. Luckily, the scenery didn’t deter the kids and they enjoyed themselves.

When we arrived home, the city had just poured a new cement square on the sidewalk in front of my house. A few days prior they removed the old one since it was deemed problematic, and we anticipated this work. It’s a public sidewalk and the city charges $315 for a replacement.

Blockades are generally placed at the sides of all cement work — but these were two squares away. I didn’t think much about it since blockades are a warning signal. But much to my surprise, before the cement had properly set up, a dog and its owner had walked through it. Their imprints were clearly visible. I complained to the engineering department, and it will be replaced — more upheaval in the works.

I know I’m kvetching, and that this situation will improve. But in the interim, the construction and traffic delays are almost unbearable.

We’re not the only ones, either. For years, I have heard from friends and relatives who live in California concerning their ever-mounting traffic situation — and the complaints weren’t just about road repairs. Stories abound with tales of relatives not visiting each other due to the traffic debacle. Apparently a 45-minute destination can turn into a dismal two-hour ride. After fighting the elements on the road ,people give up and give in — it’s a sad commentary.

When Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took office in 2019, she was determined to make good on her campaign promise—"Let’s fix the damn roads.” Her five-year Rebuilding Michigan Plan can be seen all over the state. There has been a $3.5 billion investment in highways and bridges. Michigan residents are grateful this is being completed without an increase in taxes at the pump — gas prices are high enough. Gov. Whitmer is committed to this project and has stated forcefully,” We will keep moving dirt and getting things done to save drivers time and money.”

In time, Michigan roads will improve and endless traffic jams will hopefully cease as well. It will be a welcome sight to not have bright flashing arrows re-directing and diverting traffic due to construction. I know that we are only a year into this massive overhaul of our infrastructure, but I’m looking forward to the time when I can savor the uninterrupted, sweet sounds of summer and for my GPS to start recognizing the best and quickest routes once again.

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Judi Markowitz is a retired high school English teacher of 34 years. She primarily taught 12th grade and had the pleasure of her three sons gracing her classes. In addition, she taught debate, forensics, and Detroit film. Judi has four adult children and seven wonderful grandchildren. She is married to Jeffrey Markowitz, whom she met in high school.

Judi grew up in Oak Park, Mich. which had a stellar school district, with excellent teachers. The city provided activities for all–and there were even sidewalks. Judi moved to Huntington Woods as an adult, which is a half mile from her childhood home. She wanted the same experience for her children as she had growing up, and Huntington Woods provided that. The View from Four Foot Two is Judi’s first book.