Opened to traffic in 1960, the section of I-75 in this study is one of Michigan's oldest Interstate freeway routes. Within the Saginaw Valley, I-75 serves multiple functions.  It is a primary tourism route, as nearly 50 percent of all weekend north-south tourist traffic traveling Michigan's freeways travels I-75. Factors affecting the need for this project include:

• Existing geometric deficiencies and deteriorated pavement and bridge conditions
• Increased peak period traffic delays due to larger volumes of recreational vehicles
• Inadequate roadway, bridge and shoulder widths to efficiently maintain traffic during construction

Specific objectives include the following:

• Replace and rehabilitate deteriorating pavement and bridges
• Relieve congestion and improve traffic flow during construction.
• Enhance safety on the I-75 freeway corridor
• Update and modernize the freeway system through modifications which would address current design criteria and guidelines
• Enhance mobility within the study area, while minimizing negative environmental, cultural, economic, social and adjacent property impacts

Public involvement will be encouraged throughout the study process. If the study finds "no significant impact" from the proposed improvements, the EA will be forwarded to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with a recommendation for issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).