GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It's been a headache for West Michigan drivers for months. But there might be light at the end of the traffic-coned, one-lane-only tunnel.
MDOT has announced when the US-131 and I-96 construction will finally come to its blissful end.
The US-131 and I-96 ramp opened to one lane on Friday. The ramp connecting the two freeways had been completely closed since April 28.
Officials at MDOT believed they would have one lane open by mid-September, but were off by two weeks. The entire project will likely wrap in mid to late November.
John Richard, a spokesperson for MDOT, says he understands the headache for drivers, but believes the repairs are necessary.
"This is the first time these bridges have been closed in decades," said Richard. "And these bridges are about as old as I am."
Two years ago, MDOT completed projects on the other, eastbound I-96 ramp to southbound US-131.
Once this project is completed, crews will have rebuilt the two-lane ramp connecting northbound US-131 to I-96 and M-37 (Alpine Avenue). Richard says it's a $6 million endeavor.
The work includes bridge deck replacement, barrier replacement, new expansion joints, lighting replacement, structural steel painting, substructure improvements and approach work.
The on-ramp from Alpine Avenue, however, will be closed until the project wraps in mid to late November. Richard says they can't have weight on that area due to structural steel repairs underneath the bridge.
"These are big bridges, big old structures that carry a lot of traffic. They go over the railroad tracks. They fly over West River Drive. It goes over part of 131, so these are large old structures that need a full season of, of TLC," said Richard.
Next up, MDOT has a big project planned for I-96 in Ionia County, work on M-6 and bridge repair on 8th Avenue over M-6 in western Ottawa County.
But the best way to keep up with the never-ending construction updates is on Michigan.gov/Drive, where you can see a real-time map of projects in your area.
In the meantime, Richard says to be cautious in construction zones.
"Pay attention at all times. Keep your cool. Be patient, be courteous. It really goes a long way," he said.