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Wayne County's Department of Public Services announced its list of capital improvement projects for the 2019 season. The County will start 30 road construction projects, 10 bridge construction projects and conduct 59 heavy road maintenance projects covering primary and local roads, totaling just under $82 million. The Parks Division will have 13 capital improvement projects this year totaling over $5 million.

The projects are expected to improve approximately 170 lane miles of roads from resurfacing to reconstruction. Major road and bridge work includes the resurfacing of Outer Drive between Seven Mile and Livernois in Detroit, reconstructing West Road Bridge at Frank and Poet Drain in Trenton and resurfacing on Rotunda Drive and Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. The four Hines Drive Bridges that have been closed will also begin construction with proceeds from the sale of the Phoenix Mill helping to supplement project costs.

"As the statewide road funding debate unfolds this construction season, we'll be out there doing as much as we can to maintain and improve our roads and bridges," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "However, as every commuter knows, this work isn't enough. Until there is a long-term statewide solution, counties and local communities are only able to put Band-Aids on the problem."

The County also announced the heavy road maintenance projects which are expected to begin in early May and conclude by October. The road maintenance projects are expected to impact 25 communities throughout Wayne County. An additional $5 million will be used for road maintenance work, doubling the amount from 2018. The Roads Division will also have 50 seasonal workers to support the completion of the maintenance work.

"I applaud our roads team and am excited about some of the key projects we expect to complete, but the reality is, we still can't keep up with the deterioration of the overall system. Things won't get better without a massive infusion of cash," Evans said.

App allows residents to report problems to Public Services

Residents can also sign up for the Wayne County Connect app (available via Apple Store and Google Play) to report non-emergency issues to Wayne County. Whether it is street repair, potholes or tree damage, residents can use Wayne County Connect to notify the County and monitor the progress of the work. Residents can take photos of the issue and send them in with their report.

"Our roads and engineering divisions have set an aggressive schedule and we are eager to get construction season into full swing," said Beverly Watts, Wayne County Department of Public Services Director. "We hope residents and motorists will take full advantage of the new app to report issues so we can tend to them as quickly as possible."

Park improvements include remodel of interpretive center and new boardwalk at Holliday Nature Preserve

Wayne County Parks division will have 13 capital improvement projects this year totaling over $5 million. Projects include:

· $800,000 in renovations to the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center with improved classroom technologies, adding interactive displays and enhanced animal habitats

· A new boardwalk in the Holliday Nature Preserve will offer Wayne County residents, visitors, school and family groups of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy the preserve by utilizing a paved trail and an extensive boardwalk and viewing area along the Middle Rouge River.

· Also, Wayne County Parks will collaborate with the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (MCMBA) to implement two mountain bike trails Lakeview and Riverview in Hines Park.

Wayne County's construction season runs through the end of November. The public can contact 1.888.ROAD CREW, the 24-hour customer service center number or visit www.waynecounty.com for the schedules and latest information on road projects.

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Wayne County Roads Division is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 1,440 county primary and local roadways and 462 miles of state trunk lines and freeways. It is the mission of the Roads Division to protect and extend the useful life of the roads under the division's jurisdiction. The Bridge & Structural Maintenance Section is responsible for maintaining and appraising the structural integrity of the 231 bridges on the Wayne County road system and 689 bridges on State trunklines and freeways in Wayne County.

Wayne County Engineering Division is responsible for providing engineering and technical services to support the programs and activities of the Department of Public Services, Wayne County, and its partners.

Wayne County Parks is a division of the Wayne County Department of Public Services with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for families and citizens of the 43 communities of Wayne County. We maintain 5,600 acres of parkland and operate 41 locations, which include 37 parks, one golf course, a marina and the Wayne County Family Aquatic Center. Wayne County Parks holds hundreds of educational and recreational events all year long including field trips, nature walks, and host classic annual events such as the Marshmallow Drops at Nankin Mills and Elizabeth Park, Motown on the River, and Jazz on the River. Wayne County is committed to offering the best park experiences for families to enjoy. For more information about Wayne County Parks, please call 734.261.1990 or visit www. waynecounty.com.