The poor road condition of northbound I-275, north of Eureka Road, requires immediate replacement of a section of the right lane. The following restrictions will be in place:
5 – 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23: Crews will close northbound I-275 between Eureka Road and I-94 for concrete patching. All northbound traffic will be routed onto Eureka Road. 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23 – 5 a.m., Monday, July 25: Northbound I-275 will have one lane open from Eureka Road to I-94 to allow concrete to cure. The suggested detour is northbound I-75 to northbound M-39 (Southfield Freeway), then westbound I-94 to northbound I-275.
Reminder:
Beginning 5 a.m. Monday, July 25, the eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to southbound I-275 will close until late August. The detour is eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) to northbound I-275, then westbound Ann Arbor Road to southbound I-275. The westbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to southbound I-275 was previously closed through the end of year.
Current ramp closures:
The southbound I-275 ramp to eastbound and westbound M-153 (Ford Road) is closed until late August. The southbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 are closed until mid-August. The eastbound and westbound I-96/M-14 ramps to southbound I-275 are closed until early September. The westbound US-12 (Michigan Avenue) ramp to southbound I-275 is closed until December. The Metro Trail is closed between I-94/Hannan Road and Ecorse Road through early August. Westbound I-96/M-14 maintenance is underway from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road through 5 a.m. Monday, July 25: The Newburgh Road ramp to westbound I-96/M-14 is closed.
Bikers trek the path at Lower Huron Metropark. Photo by Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
Posted by The Huron Hub | July 20, 2022
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are searching for social media savvy members of their 5-county region to join a new team of social media ambassadors. The Metroparks Ambassadors will be creating and sharing social media content with their followers and fans and will receive exclusive benefits in return. The Metroparks are searching for both people who consider themselves established influencers as well as those who are still figuring it out but have the potential to reach into the social feeds of community members.
“The Metroparks welcome a wide range of visitors every year, and it’s nearly impossible for us to reach everyone in the region and show them how great time spent in the parks can be” says Metroparks Chief of Marketing and Communication, Danielle Mauter. “That’s where social media ambassadors come in. We recognize that social media influencers of all types have an extraordinary power to connect with people on a personal level and provide honest and human content. That’s why we’re looking for community members who have a social following of audiences that can often be difficult to reach – like teens, millennials and cord cutters – or that have a following related to a particular niche activity or group of people – like birders, fishermen, adventure hikers, bikers and more – to give content a more authentic experience.”
The Metroparks have put together an application process for interested members to apply, and it is open to everyone aged 14 and older. As part of a pilot program, Metroparks Ambassadors will be asked to create and share at least one post about the Metroparks per month according to a provided content schedule and providing the Metroparks with regular feedback about the program.
The Metroparks is primarily looking for individuals with profiles on TikTok and/or Instagram. Applications are open to Metroparks lovers, first time visitors and everyone in-between.
Those chosen to be a part of the Metroparks Ambassadors team will receive a free 2022 Annual Vehicle Pass, which provides access to all 13 Metroparks for the remainder of the year. They will also receive limited free entry into Metroparks facilities and programs. Other perks include an exclusive monthly ambassador newsletter featuring tips for exploring and sharing all the Metroparks have to offer and a welcome package which includes park brochures, maps and Metroparks swag.
Applicants must be at least 14 years old to apply. All interested community members who meet the age requirement and have a social media following are welcome to apply. Applications are now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 7. Only a select few who apply will be chosen for this new pilot program.
Crews will rebuild the southbound I-275 ramps with M-153 (Ford Road) and a portion of southbound I-275 starting next week.
Beginning 5 a.m. Monday, July 18, the southbound I-275 ramp to M-153 (Ford Road) will close until late August. The detour is southbound I-275 to eastbound US-12 (Michigan Avenue), then northbound I-275 to M-153 (Ford Road).
Beginning 5 a.m. Monday, July 25, the eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to southbound I-275 will close until late August. The detour is eastbound M-153 (Ford Road) to northbound I-275, then westbound Ann Arbor Road to southbound I-275. The westbound M-153 (Ford Road) ramp to southbound I-275 was previously closed through the end of year.
Reminder:
The southbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 are closed until mid- The eastbound and westbound I-96/M-14 ramps to southbound I-275 are closed until early September.
The westbound US-12 (Michigan Avenue) ramp to southbound I-275 is closed until December. The westbound Ann Arbor Road ramp to southbound I-275 is closed until December. Northbound and southbound I-275 will have two lanes open between I-94 and I-96/M-14, except nightly from Sunday, July 17, to Saturday, July 23, when it will have one lane open between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. while crews install glare screen on the median wall.
The Metro Trail is closed between I-94/Hannan Road and Ecorse Road through early August. While the southbound I-275 ramp to westbound M-14 has been reopened, the ramp may have intermittent closures for ongoing maintenance on westbound M-14/I-96 from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road. More details on westbound I-96/M-14 maintenance from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road scheduled to begin 5 a.m. Thursday, July 14: The Newburgh Road ramp to westbound I-96/M-14 will be closed. Westbound I-96/M-14 will have one lane closed from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road from 5 to 9 a.m. Thursday, July 14. Westbound I-96/M-14 will then have only one lane open from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road from 9 a.m. Thursday, July 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 18. This pattern is expected to repeat Thursday, July 21 – Monday, July 25.
Southbound I-275 ramps to eastbound and westbound I-94 will be closed starting at 5 a.m. Monday, July 11, through early August.
Crews need to rebuild the area where southbound I-275 is currently crossing the work zone to exit to I-94.
In addition to rebuilding the three lanes and shoulders, crews will be improving the drainage in that area and surface coating the concrete of the southbound I-275 bridge to eastbound I-94 that was rebuilt last year, along with maintenance work on the westbound I-94 bridge over the exits (cleaning, painting, etc.).
All traffic will be detoured further south on southbound I-275 to eastbound Eureka Road, then northbound I-275 to eastbound/westbound I-94.
This closure and detour will cause heavier traffic at the Eureka Road entrance to Metro Airport, which may cause delays. Plan extra time or an alternate route.
Project information can be found at Revive275.org.
Southbound I-275 will be closed from the I-96/M-14 interchange to I-94 from 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, through 5 a.m. Monday, June 6, to make repairs on the deteriorating road surface.
Crews will reopen these lanes earlier if work can be completed sooner.
Southbound I-275 traffic will be detoured via eastbound I-96 to southbound M-39, then westbound I-94 to southbound I-275.
The following ramps will also be closed during this work:
Eastbound and westbound M-14 ramps to southbound I-275, Southbound I-275 exit/entrance ramps at Ann Arbor Road, Southbound I-275 exit/entrance ramps at M-153 (Ford Road), Southbound I-275 exit/entrance ramps at US-12 (Michigan Avenue), Southbound I-275 exit/entrance ramps at Ecorse Road, and Southbound I-275 exit ramps to I-94. Once southbound I-275 reopens, the southbound I-275 ramp to westbound M-14 will be closed through the end of June. Traffic will be detoured to eastbound I-96, then northbound Farmington Road to westbound I-96/M-14. An alternative detour is southbound I-275 to eastbound Ann Arbor Road, then northbound I-275 to westbound M-14.
Beginning at 5 a.m. Monday, June 13, the eastbound and westbound M-14/I-96 ramps to southbound I-275 will be closed through early September. Traffic will be detoured to northbound I-275, then westbound 7 Mile Road to southbound I-275.
Based on economic modeling, the Revive275 project and its $270 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 3,429 jobs. Project information can be found at Revive275.org.
We are monitoring storms moving out of northern Indiana which may become strong to severe between 10am and 3pm today. The main threats will be wind gusts to 60 mph and hail to 1 inch. The highest chance for severe weather will be south of a line from Jackson to Sandusky.
Workers across the country are continuing to navigate the ripple effects of the pandemic and job vacancies can be found in every corner of the country and region while organizations struggle to fill open spots. During the on-going pandemic visitors continue flocking to parks and outdoor spaces seeking recreational opportunities and the health and wellness benefits that accompany them. That means park agencies,including the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, are looking to fill out their summer teams so they can deliver great experiences and memories for all those visitors, all summer (and all year) long. The Metroparks can offer the flexibility and rewarding work experience job seekers are now opting for in some of those memorable outdoor spaces everyone is spending more time in.
The Metroparks provides employment for around 1,000 part-time and summer workers each year. Jobs with the Metroparks offer a unique opportunity for professionals, students, and retirees to work flexible hours while earning good wages with great benefits and perks. Summer staff are integral in providing exceptional summertime activities and programs. Without the lifeguards, maintenance crews, food service workers, equipment rental attendants, other support staff and volunteers, the Metroparks would not be able to deliver amazing experiences to the millions of visitors who turn to the parks as a primary form of recreation.
This year the Metroaprks have added a package of additional benefits for seasonal and part-time staff as a way to be more competitive in the job market. The hope is that these benefits will entice job seekers to consider joining their team and spend their summer in some of the most beautiful work environments you could imagine.
“The people who serve the Metroparks provide an invaluable service to not only our park visitors, but to our local communities and region,” said Metroparks Director Amy McMillan. “We welcome individuals who want to make a difference and share their unique skills to advance the work we do while ensuring the Metroparks are here for generations to come.”
Those new benefits for seasonal and part-time staff include:
• Paid time off (Seasonal employees earn up to 16 hours per year and part-time employees earn up to 40 hours per year)
• A summer bonus with the opportunity to earn up to an additional $1200 paid out at the end of the summer (details included below)
• Paid medical leave
• AFLAC supplemental insurance
• Deferred compensation retirement plan voluntary option
Those new benefits are on top of existing benefits that were already offered:
• Training and development
• Flexible schedules
• Wellbeing program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free or discounted facility use (golf, water facilities, food service, etc.)
The Metroparks are also looking to fill open part-time Police positions and have added new benefits to make those positions more competitive as well. Part-time police officers could expect to receive:
• $1.00 per hour retention bonus for all hours worked from Memorial Day through Labor Day
• 457 deferred compensation retirement plan
• Eligible part-time employees will receive comprehensive health plans
• Wellbeing program incentives
• Flexible work schedules
• Free or discounted facility use (golf, water facilities, food service, etc.)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Probably one of the most anticipated summer park activities is swimming. There’s nothing quite like jumping into a pool, floating a lazy river and rushing down a water slide. To make that happen it takes a team of lifeguards keeping everyone safe, and the past few years, lifeguards have been in short supply. To address that struggle at Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center at Lower Huron Metropark and Willow Metropark pool, the Metroaprks are offering FREE lifeguard training courses this year to encourage applicants to join the team and spend their summer by the pool with them. Additionally, they would be certified lifeguards which is something that will carry with them after summer and potentially provide them opportunities in other places as well.
These free lifeguard courses are limited to first 20 participants to sign up per session. Applicants must be 15 years old by last day of class and for individuals that are interested in a job this summer at Turtle Cove or Willow Pool. Courses will be offered:
•May 21, 22 | 8 am – 4 pm
•June 4, 5, 11 | 8 am – 4 pm
Interested applicants can call 734-697-9181 for questions or email Amanda Strimple at Amanda.strimpel@metroparks.com for the registration form.
It’s not too late to apply for a fun summer job. Positions are open in multiple parks throughout the region. Learn more about job opportunities with the Metroparks by visiting www.metroparks.com/job-opportunities. Full job descriptions are available by clicking on the job posting. Applications can be submitted online, or applicants may also apply by visiting a Metropark office for a printed job application. Completed applications may be returned to the Metropark office by mail or in person.
Summer-like temperatures are in the forecast with little precipitation expected, according to forecasters.
Forecasters say models show the extended timeframe with 80s starting next Tuesday and continuing for another seven to ten days beyond next Tuesday.
There will likely be some weather system that forms and keeps temps cooler than 80 some day in that 10 day period, but the main forecast says mid-70s to mid-80s are going to be common next week and possibly the following week.
Posted by The Huron Hub | May 4, 2022 — 9:30 AM EST
A crash on northbound I-275 near Ford Road has traffic backed up for miles in Canton Township on Wednesday morning.
MDOT says the freeway closed around 8:45 a.m.
No other information is available about the crash.
UPDATE: Crash on NB I-275 Location: NB I-275 at Ford Rd Lanes Blocked: All Lanes Event Type: Crash County: Wayne Event Message: FREEWAY CLOSED@revive275@DTWeetin
— MDOT – Metro Detroit (@MDOT_MetroDet) May 4, 2022
A female (left) and male rose-breasted grosbeak at an outdoor feeder last summer. (Huron Hub file photo by Scott Bolthouse)
Posted by The Huron Hub | April 21, 2022
As Michigan continues to respond to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza – commonly referred to as “bird flu” – some residents are asking questions about how best to keep themselves, their poultry flocks and wild bird populations safe. This is of greater interest now, as popular passerines (including many songbird species) make the spring migration back to Michigan and seek out food sources such as backyard bird feeders.
With HPAI confirmed in wild birds and domestic flocks in several counties throughout Michigan, wildlife and animal health experts in the state’s departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development have been fielding increased calls about the HPAI virus. Follow the current status of HPAI in Michigan counties at Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.
Megan Moriarty, the state wildlife veterinarian with the DNR, said it is important to note that while all birds are potentially susceptible to HPAI, some are more likely than others to become infected and die. Domestic birds and some wild birds, like waterfowl, raptors and scavengers, are highly susceptible and have been particularly affected by this disease.
“Current research suggests songbirds are less susceptible to highly pathogenic avian influenza and are unlikely to play a significant role in spreading the virus,” Moriarty said. “However, much remains unknown, and surveillance and testing for HPAI in this group of birds is less common, resulting in a knowledge gap.”
One easy way the public can help reduce the potential spread of HPAI is to remove outdoor bird feeders. Though there isn’t yet any widespread recommendation from state agencies to do so, temporary removal of these food sources could be helpful, especially for anyone who has highly susceptible species – domestic poultry, raptors or waterfowl – living nearby. Similarly, removal could be a wise choice for those who observe high-risk species like blue jays, crows or ravens hanging around backyard bird feeders. This temporary removal of bird feeders and baths may only last for the next couple months, or until the rate of HPAI spread in wild and domestic birds decreases.
“If you’re concerned about this virus and want to act from a place of abundant caution, removing your bird feeders for now makes sense, but it isn’t yet a critical step,” Moriarty said. “With warmer springtime weather on the way, too, birds will have more natural food sources readily available to them, so chances are many people will be taking down feeders in a few weeks anyway.”
If people choose to continue using their bird feeders, please keep this guidance in mind:
Thoroughly clean bird feeders with a diluted bleach solution (and rinse well) once per week. Regularly cleaning helps protect birds against other infections, including salmonella.
Clean up birdseed that has fallen below the feeders to discourage large numbers of birds and other wildlife from congregating in a concentrated area.
Don’t feed wild birds, especially waterfowl, near domestic flocks.
Reporting wild bird deaths
Anyone who notices what appear to be unusual or unexplained deaths among wild bird populations is asked to report the information either by:
Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “diseased wildlife” reporting option.
Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
HPAI in domestic flocks
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is highly contagious and can be spread to domestic flocks by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Make sure domestic poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks raised for the production of meat or eggs) is separate from and has no contact with wild birds.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of this strain of HPAI virus have been detected in the United States. Also, no birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the food chain. As a reminder, all poultry and eggs should be handled and cooked properly, with a safe cooking temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
“It is vital for poultry owners to take every step possible to keep wild birds away from their flocks and follow other biosecurity measures,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland. “Simple, yet effective mitigation strategies help protect not only your flock but others around the state. We have to work together to keep Michigan’s domestic and wild bird populations safe and healthy.”
Domestic bird owners and caretakers should watch for unusual deaths, a drop in egg production, a significant decrease in water consumption or an increase in sick birds. If avian influenza is suspected, immediately contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours). For more information, visit Michigan.gov/BirdFlu.
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