LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Macomb County and local partners broke ground Aug. 17 on the William P. Rosso Highway relocation and reconstruction project, marking a significant step in strengthening infrastructure around Selfridge Air National Guard Base and supporting the installation's future mission requirements.

The project represents a major investment in Macomb County's transportation infrastructure and will relocate and reconstruct a portion of William P. Rosso Highway between Interstate 94 and Jefferson Avenue. The improvements will support infrastructure changes associated with Selfridge's future missions while improving roadway safety, traffic flow and drainage in the surrounding community.

"Breaking ground on this project represents the kind of partnership and long-term planning that is essential to maintaining Selfridge as a critical military installation and economic asset for Michigan," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the DMVA. "This project demonstrates what we can accomplish when state, local and military partners work together toward a shared objective, strengthening the infrastructure that supports military readiness."

Major components of the project include:

• Relocating and reconstructing William P. Rosso Highway
• Constructing a roundabout at Town Center Boulevard
• Relocating drainage infrastructure and the Irwin Drain
• Constructing concrete box culverts
• Completing pavement markings

"This project is a great example of what we can accomplish when Macomb County, Selfridge and our partners at the state and federal levels work together toward a common goal," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "Our Department of Roads has played an important role in making this project happen, and this runway extension is another investment in the future of Selfridge and our entire region. We know the strength of Selfridge is critical to our economy, our national defense and the future of Macomb County, and we will continue doing our part to support the base and its mission."

The highway relocation is part of a broader infrastructure effort to support Selfridge Air National Guard Base and its future missions while strengthening the installation's role in Michigan's defense infrastructure and regional economy. The project will create space for improvements associated with the base's future mission requirements and increase separation between future flying operations and surrounding residential areas.

"This groundbreaking marks an important step to secure the follow-on fighter mission for Selfridge, to secure the future of this base for generations and Macomb County's economy, and it's an excellent example of what can be achieved when everyone works diligently together as a team to achieve a critical goal," said Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller.

The project reflects continued collaboration among the state, Macomb County and military partners to ensure Selfridge has the infrastructure needed to support its long-term future. The 127th Wing is expected to transition from the A-10 Thunderbolt II to the F-15EX Eagle II and from the KC-135 Stratotanker to the KC-46 Pegasus over the next five to seven years.

"The Department of Roads has worked closely with our partners at Macomb County Public Works and the DMVA to support the base's expanded mission capabilities," said Scott Wanagat, interim director of the Macomb County Department of Roads. "The project represents a critical investment in the future of Macomb County and our region's transportation infrastructure as well as safeguarding the base's capacity and capabilities for future missions."

Photos of the groundbreaking event are available on the 127th Wing's DVIDS page.