The Lead Off Michigan will temporarily lift lane restrictions on more than 100 road and bridge projects ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. The move covers nearly 60% of active Michigan Department of Transportation construction sites statewide. AAA projects more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday period. State removes orange barrels for holiday travel LANSING, MICH. (WOWO) Michigan transportation officials are temporarily removing lane restrictions on dozens of road and bridge projects statewide ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend to help ease traffic congestion. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the change is intended to improve travel flow during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the adjustment as part of a statewide effort to reduce delays for motorists heading out for Independence Day travel according to News 10 Lansing. Construction changes across MDOT projects Officials say the temporary suspension of lane restrictions will apply to 106 of 179 Michigan Department of Transportation projects across the state. The adjustments include: Removal of lane restrictions on 106 road and bridge projects Implementation beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2 Return of normal restrictions at 6 a.m. Monday, July 6 MDOT says the changes are scheduled to align with peak travel times before and after the holiday weekend. Work zones still may remain active Even with lane restrictions lifted, transportation officials are cautioning drivers that some work zones will continue to operate in a limited capacity. According to MDOT, certain areas may still include: Temporary lane shifts Shoulder closures Construction equipment near active work zones Officials say drivers should remain alert and slow down when passing through any active or partially active construction areas. Holiday travel expected to surge AAA estimates more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles or more from home during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. State officials say the temporary removal of lane restrictions is designed to help accommodate the increased traffic volume expected across Michigan highways and major roadways. The Takeaway Michigan is temporarily suspending lane restrictions on 106 MDOT construction projects statewide, covering nearly 60% of active work zones to improve holiday travel flow. The changes take effect Thursday afternoon and run through early Monday morning, aligning with peak Fourth of July travel periods when millions of drivers are expected on the road. While many orange barrels will be removed, MDOT says some work zone features will remain, and drivers should continue to use caution in all construction areas. Next steps MDOT says normal construction patterns and lane restrictions will resume after 6 a.m. Monday, July 6. Officials will continue monitoring traffic conditions throughout the holiday weekend as travel volumes increase across the state. The post Orange barrels lifted on nearly 60% of Michigan road work zones for holiday weekend appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less