GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A major highway construction project has been giving Kent County residents a headache as they've had to find detours to get from northbound US-131 to westbound I-96. However, the headaches may be over soon with an update from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The ramp connecting the two freeways has been closed since April 28. At the time, MDOT estimated the work would be done by mid-September.
While the project did hit some hiccups, John Richard with MDOT told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that the project should still be completed by the end of the month.
"We are still on schedule for the project. Like with many old structures of this size, once crews 'get into it' more rehab work is revealed," said Richard. "The initial date projected last winter to open this ramp was off by about 9 days…Assuming we make the new open date of September 30."
The $6 million project is taking place to rebuild the two-lane ramp connecting northbound US-131 to I-96 and M-37 (Alpine Avenue).
The work included bridge deck replacement, barrier replacement, new expansion joints, lighting replacement, structural steel painting, substructure improvements and approach work.
