We like a Michigan Department of Transportation program announced recently designed, in large measure, to determine how well MDOT?is maintaining roads in the state.

MDOT will, in effect, consult on a continuing basis, with the people who are closest in touch with road conditions: motorists.

Labeled Road Watchers, here’s how it will work. Volunteers who travel specific stretches of road will be asked after winter storms and other inclement occurrences to take an online survey about the condition of the roads.

The roads included in the Upper Peninsula-part of the effort include:

– U.S. 41 between Calumet and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge

– U.S. 41 between Herman Road, south of L’Anse, and the Portage Lake Lift Bridge

– U.S. 41 between M-28 in Harvey and Westwood Drive in Ishpeming Township

– U.S. 2 between M-77 in Blaney Park and M-94 in Manistique

– M-117 between U.S. 2 and M-28

– M-129 between M-134 in Cedarville and I-75 Business Spur/Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie

– U.S. 2 between Rapid River and Escanaba

– U.S. 2 between Escanaba and M-69

– U.S. 2 between Waucedah and Iron Mountain

In addition to the U.P., the northern Lower Peninsula and Metro Detroit areas are using the same program.

Interested in participating or just want to know more? Check it out at michigan.gov/roadwatchers.

We expect this effort will provide MDOT, and perhaps others, with valuable information that can be used to make a wide variety of spending decisions.