Contact:
John Richard, MDOT Office of Communications, 616-451-4063
Agency:
Transportation
October 8, 2009 -- Prep work for the highly anticipated reconstruction of I-196 in the city of Grand Rapids is under way, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). In spring 2010, this major corridor will be totally reconstructed from Fuller Avenue to the Grand River with additional lanes in each direction to improve traffic operations, as well as pedestrian enhancements on the newly constructed bridges crossing the freeway.
"This project has been on our radar for quite some time. Securing the federal stimulus funding is a credit to our strong regional partnerships," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "The Fix on I-196 will sustain and create much needed Michigan jobs."
The preparation work this fall will enhance the alternate routes needed during the major work scheduled for next spring on I-196. It will include pavement repairs on I-196 from Fuller Avenue to I-96, resurfacing and widening of the Fuller Avenue off-ramp from westbound I-196 and modifications on Ottawa Avenue at the I-196 interchange.
To accommodate this preliminary work, off-peak single-lane closures will be needed to maintain traffic, as well as ramp closures at the I-196/Ottawa Avenue interchange. Prep work will finish mid-November with a total project completion date of summer 2011.
This $30 million project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"We have worked in close partnership with MDOT on this project for many years and we are pleased to see it under way," said Grand Rapids city manager Greg Sundstrom. "This new gateway to downtown couldn't have come at a better time to stimulate the economy."
For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MDOT_I196 or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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