The majority of Michigan’s road and bridge construction projects will be put on hold this Labor Day weekend due to the expected increase in road traffic. From September 1 at 3 p.m. until September 5 at 6 a.m. work will be suspended and lanes opened on 92 of the 155 active construction projects.

For a list of the construction zones that will remain active or have limited lanes open head on over to www.michigan.gov/mdot. The list is too extensive to repeat here.

By the way, if you really want to avoid construction and traffic jams consider taking to Michigan’s highways instead of the freeways. You remember highways don’t you? You know, those two lane roads that pass through quaint little towns and beautiful scenery at a leisurely pace of 55 m.p.h.

Our family has taken to the so-called back roads in recent years and I must admit that the trip has been 200% more enjoyable. You don’t have the stress of bumper to bumper traffic and lane changers constantly cutting you off. You can actually see Michigan’s scenic views and pastoral farms since you aren’t whizzing by at 75-80 m.p.h.

If you truly want to relax this weekend, take my advice. Hop on U.S. 23 along the Lake Huron coast. Cruise up M-66 and pick up U.S. 31 in Charlevoix on your way up to the Mackinac Bridge. There are a number of other main routes to choose from whether you are going north, south, east, or west.

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!