• Improve freeway access within the Grand Rapids metro and downtown areas, including the developing Life Science Corridor, entertainment centers, and colleges and universities;
• Improve freeway system and surface street connections;
• Replace and rehabilitate deteriorating pavement and bridges;
• Relieve congestions and improve traffic operations on the I-196/I-96 freeway corridor, trunkline interchanges, and the connecting surface streets; and
• Enhance mobility within the study area, while minimizing negative natural environment, cultural, economic and social impacts.

The study covered I-196 between US-131 and the I-96 Junction, I-96 between Leonard Street and Fulton Street (M-21), and the East Beltline (M-44/M-37) between Knapp Street and M-21. The Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact in January 2006 and construction is under way.

View Finding of No Significant Impact

View Environmental Assessment:

• Introduction and Sections 1 Thru 6
• Figures
• Appendix A and B
• Appendix C Maps I-196
• Appendix C Maps I-96, M-21, M-37 and M-44
• Appendix C Cross Sections
• Appendix D, E and F