UPDATE- Lane closure & traffic shift: I-96, Ionia County, April 12 - November 15

Project UPDATE...

Saranac/Portland- See map and project info below.

This Saturday at approximately 8 a.m., westbound I-96 traffic will be reduced to one lane after Sunfield Highway and crossed over to the eastbound side. A movable barrier wall will be in operation for traffic control. Eastbound I-96 will have two lanes open with one westbound lane open from approximately 11 p.m. Saturday night to 11 a.m. Friday morning. Westbound I-96 will have two lanes open with one lane open on eastbound I-96 from Friday morning through Saturday night. The on and off ramps will be closed on westbound I-96 at M-66 and Jordan Lake Road. The eastbound I-96 ramps will remain open.   

MiDrive- https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?constZone=true&lat=42.87638637095163&lon=-85.03501128284603&zoom=11.413410554460146

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

March 19, 2025                                                                       John Richard

616-262-1565 RichardJ2@Michigan.gov

 

Second year of I-96 rebuilding project in Ionia County underway

 

IONIA COUNTY, Mich. - Shoulder closures are already in effect as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to rebuild 8 miles of I-96 between Bliss Road and Sunfield Road. Improvements to the Jordan Lake Road bridge over I-96 were completed last year. This year's work includes rebuilding westbound I-96, along with drainage improvements, new culverts, new guardrail, and new concrete curb and gutter. Eastbound I-96 will be rebuilt next year.

The majority of the funding for this project is made possible by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state's economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state's infrastructure. 

County:  Ionia

Highway:  I-96

Closest city:  Portland

Original project start date:  Monday, June 24, 2024

Estimated end date:  November 2026

Traffic restrictions:  Lane closures, traffic shifts and ramp closures will be in effect throughout the project.

Westbound I-96 traffic will be crossed over to the eastbound side as westbound I-96 is rebuilt, and a movable barrier wall will be in operation for traffic control. Eastbound I-96 will have two lanes open with one westbound lane open from approximately 11 p.m. Saturday night to 11 a.m. Friday morning. Westbound I-96 will have two lanes open with one lane open on eastbound I-96 from Friday morning through Saturday night.

Ramp closures will be in place on westbound I-96 at M-66 and Jordan Lake Road. The eastbound I-96 ramps will remain open. 

Jobs numbers:  Based on economic modeling, this $105 investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,271 jobs.

Safety benefit:  This long-term investment will increase safety, improve the ride quality, and extend the service life of I-96 and associated bridges. 

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