Area Freeway Memorializes Slain Construction Worker

On a recent drive along the freeway you may have noticed a new road sign.  The sharp looking brown and white sign along I-96 reads ”Barry Lyn Hause Memorial Highway.”  This begs the question…who was Barry Lyn Hause and why is he being memorialized in the Portland area? 

According to MDOT, Hause (54) was a construction engineer working for C & D Hughes.  On the evening of September 24, 2019, he was working on road repairs along I-96 east near the Kent St. exit when a driver struck his concrete cutting machine.  Hause was flown to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, where he died of his injuries five days later on September 30th. 

The driver of the vehicle that struck Hause was one Patrick Rolon II of Lansing.  Rolon was 27 years old at the time and pled guilty in September 2020.  He was charged with causing a death in a construction zone, a felony, and driving without insurance, a misdemeanor.  He was sentenced to 14 months to 15 years.  Rolon was released in February 2023 according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.

According to his obituary, Hause, “was a devoted father to his only daughter, Emily, and an avid outdoorsman spending much of his free time hunting and fishing. He will always be remembered by those he left behind for his humor, strong work ethic, generosity, passion for the outdoors, and love for his family.” 

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, memorial signs are placed based on legislation passed by the state house, and senate and signed by the governor.  The legislation to honor Hause was signed by Governor Whitmer in December 2023 and the sign erected earlier this spring.  The memorial highway designation runs from exits 76 to 77 running through Portland

“As we drive on Michigan’s roads, let’s recognize the invaluable service of our construction workers—their commitment builds our state’s very foundations,” said state Representative Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) who sponsored the bill designating the memorial highway.

“The tragic accident that took Barry’s life while on the job underscores the risks these workers face.” said Rep. Whitwer, “the newly designated Barry Lyn Hause Memorial Highway stands as a lasting memorial and serves as a poignant reminder to drive safely…”