LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Starting Friday afternoon, construction will be paused on nearly 60 percent of road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for Fourth of July holiday travelers.

AAA Michigan estimates more than 1.7 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

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The orange barrel relief starts at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and continues until 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5. The state is pausing 99 of its 175 projects.  Drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place.

“We ask all drivers to continue to drive safely through work zones and follow all posted signs for their safety, their family’s safety, and for road workers’ safety,” said Michigan Department of Transportation Director Brad Wieferich. “Slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in all work zones.”

Click here for more information about work zones statewide.

Friday also marks the first day of the new “hands free” distracted driving law in Michigan. People who are caught driving with a cell phone in their hand, posting on social media while driving, making videos while driving, texting at stop signs and lights, or picking up their phone while in the driver’s seat will be subject to fines and possibly community service. More information about that law can be found here.