Building a Better I-496: How Construction Inspection Ensures Quality and Safety
When you’re driving through a construction zone, it’s easy to focus on the inconvenience—lane closures, detours, and slower speeds. But behind every road work project is a team dedicated to making our highways safer, smoother, and built to last. One of those projects is the ongoing reconstruction of I-496 in Lansing, Michigan, where Clark Dietz has been providing Construction Inspection services for MDOT for several years.
A key member of our inspection team is Senior Construction Inspector, Jason Dale, who brings 27 years of experience to the job. Based out of our Lansing office, Jason plays a critical role in ensuring that every phase of construction meets MDOT’s rigorous standards. His expertise spans drainage improvements, bridge rehabilitations, and pavement reconstruction, all of which are essential to the long-term success of the project.
The US-127/I-496 Rebuilding Project, which began in 2023 and is set for completion in 2025, involves reconstructing 3.7 miles of highway, replacing multiple bridges, and upgrading freeway lighting. Jason has been on-site throughout the process, overseeing key construction activities to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
His attention to detail and problem-solving skills help navigate challenges that arise during construction, working closely with contractors and MDOT to keep the project on track. With the northbound lanes successfully rebuilt and reopened in 2024, Jason and the team have now shifted focus to the southbound lanes, coordinating efforts to maintain traffic flow while construction progresses.
With each milestone reached, this project moves closer to delivering a more efficient and reliable transportation corridor for Lansing’s residents, commuters, and businesses. Thanks to the hard work of experienced professionals like Jason, the future of I-496 is taking shape—one well-inspected section at a time.
What is Construction Inspection & Testing?
Roads and bridges are the backbone of our transportation network, connecting communities and supporting commerce. But ensuring they are safe, durable, and built to last requires rigorous inspection and testing throughout construction. That’s where our Construction Inspection & Testing team at Clark Dietz comes in.
How We Support Quality Construction
We work closely with contractors and agencies like MDOT to verify compliance with design plans and specifications, ensuring every element of a roadway or bridge meets the highest standards. Our team is prequalified in multiple key areas to provide expert oversight, including:
✅ Construction Engineering Assistance – Roadway: Supporting construction management and project coordination.
✅ Construction Inspection – Bridges & Ancillary Structures: Ensuring structural integrity in bridges, retaining walls, and other key components.
✅ Construction Inspection – HMA Pavement & Roadway: Overseeing paving operations and road construction for smooth, long-lasting surfaces.
✅ Construction Inspection – Traffic & Safety: Verifying pavement markings, signage, signals, and safety features meet required standards.
✅ Construction Inspection – Office Technician: Managing project documentation, material approvals, and contractor submittals.
✅ Construction Testing – Aggregates, Concrete, and Density: Conducting field and lab tests to confirm that materials meet engineering requirements before they are placed in service.
Why It Matters
Inspection and testing protect taxpayer investment by ensuring roads and bridges are built correctly the first time—reducing future maintenance costs and enhancing safety. Our inspectors act as a second set of eyes on construction, identifying issues before they become costly repairs.
🚧 As you’re driving through construction zones, please slow down and give our inspectors the space they need to work safely. Construction sites are our office, and every extra moment of caution helps protect the people ensuring our roads and bridges are built to last. 🚧
Have questions about Construction Inspection & Testing? Read more about our services here.
