Road and bridge projects in Michigan will continue during the COVID-19 pandemic so long as construction workers can practice social distancing measures and be appropriately protected from the virus, the Michigan Department of Transportation clarified Tuesday evening.

Construction on roads and bridges has continued in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, contractors will proceed with state trunkline projects “when they feel their workers can do their work in a safe manner,” MDOT spokesperson Jeff Cranson said Tuesday, noting that guidance could change depending on future developments.

“If any contractor does not feel they can do it safely within those guidelines, MDOT engineers will work with them until the executive order is lifted,” he said. “In cases where a contractor feels they cannot begin or continue work because of concerns about their work force, supply chains or other things related to COVID-19, the delays will be excusable and liquidated damages will not be assessed.”

Cranson said contractors could also be granted an extension on active projects for any reasonable efforts to put COVID-19 safety measures in place, such as reduced crew sizes or delayed operations.

Related: Is fixing Michigan roads essential during coronavirus pandemic? Construction industry isn’t convinced

The new guidance comes after the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, which represents road construction contract workers, requested the work be deemed non-essential under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order so employees can stay home and avoid contracting COVID-19.

The association requested all construction field operations, not just public works construction, be deemed non-essential, arguing continued operations could divert needed equipment like N-95 masks, gloves and hand sanitizer away from health care providers.

Mike Nystrom, MITA’s executive vice president, said they accept the directive from the administration and appreciate the assurances that health and safety of workers is paramount.

“To have further clarification from the department is very helpful,” Nystrom said. “We know we need to do our part and to plow forward now that this decision has been made.”

Nystrom said with the circumstances changing rapidly during the coronavirus pandemic, other issues could continue to arise, noting the association continues to pay close attention to workforce safety.

MITA and other groups representing the construction industry have put forward best practices for highway construction worksites for keeping workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re going to follow this in a way that puts safety as the foremost concern, and if it affects productivity, we’re going to work with the owner,” he said.

There have been more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and almost than 3,000 deaths in the United States.

Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Related coverage:

Michigan coronavirus cases now at 7,615; up 1,117 cases, 75 deaths in one day

Tuesday, March 31: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Computer system for Michigan unemployment agency crashes amid crush of new claims

Michigan Attorney General warns of scammers imitating health officials during coronavirus pandemic

‘Lunch on me!’ Lizzo surprises Henry Ford Hospital ER staff