October 3, 2008 -- The temporary ramp from westbound I-196 to Chicago Drive will be closed, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 8, as the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) largest construction project in the Grand Rapids area nears completion for the year.
The 3-mile project on westbound I-196 in western Kent County is on schedule for a mid-November completion, with work on eastbound I-196 beginning in the spring.
"If the weather doesn't delay us, the crews should be finished and the traffic shifts removed by Nov. 15," said Erick Kind, MDOT Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center manager.
Westbound I-196 from the Kent/Ottawa county line to M-11 (28th Street) is being reconstructed, including new bridges being built over Buck Creek and the CSX Railroad, and the new westbound I-196 off-ramp to Baldwin Street. New retaining walls also are being built and repairs have been made to existing bridges over Chicago Drive and 36th Street.
Beginning next spring, eastbound I-196 will be reconstructed and three new structures will be built, including a new on-ramp from Baldwin Street to eastbound I-196. A new weave/merge lane also will be constructed on I-196 eastbound between the new Baldwin Street ramp and M-11.
This $37 million project will ease traffic congestion, increase safety and improve ride quality.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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