REMINDER- Lane closures: I-96, Kent County, April 21-25

REMINDER-  

Walker- See map and project info below. 

Daytime (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) lane closures are scheduled for today (Monday) through this Friday on I-96 at Fruit Ridge Avenue. 

MiDrive- https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?lat=43.01760605827432&lon=-85.76406644869485&zoom=13

 

I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange rebuilding project in

Walker starts Monday, March 31

 

WALKER, Mich. - In partnership with the City of Walker, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing approximately $30 million to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. The project will replace the original 1961 Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 and rebuild the interchange. This also includes a new nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides.

The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant (Public Act 1 of 2023) to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in west Michigan.

County:  Kent

Highway:  I-96

Closest city:  Walker

Start date:  Monday, March 31, 2025

Estimated end dates:  December 2025 

Traffic restrictions:  The bridge will be closed and traffic detoured to 3 Mile and 4 Mile roads via the I-96/Walker Avenue interchange. The on ramps to eastbound I-96 will be closed for most of the project. Intermittent ramp closures will also be in effect at the interchange.

Crews are using the former Walker Rest Area to stage and store equipment for the project. Due to maintenance issues and the rising costs to address those issues, the decision has been made to permanently close the facility originally built in the 1960s. Drivers are encouraged to make use of the numerous 24/7 local services in the area.

Jobs numbers:  Based on economic modeling, this $30 million investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 286 jobs.

Safety Benefits:  This long-term investment replaces the original bridge from 1961. The new structure and interchange will improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians in this growing area.

 

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Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident, they are preventable. Please use "crash" instead of "accident" when reporting. Learn more at www.Michigan.gov/CrashNotAccident.