The Fix on I-196 supports jobs and relies on partnerships
Contact:
John Richard, MDOT Office of Communications, richardj2@michigan.gov 616-451-4063
Agency:
Transportation
March 12, 2010 -- One month from today, I-196 (Gerald R. Ford Freeway) will be closed to through-traffic past College Avenue until August to accommodate freeway widening and reconstruction between the Grand River and Fuller Avenue. Five bridges will be replaced and four lanes will be added in one construction season along this major downtown Grand Rapids corridor. This $40 million dollar project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and will support 400-500 jobs in Michigan.
"A project of this magnitude creates a positive ripple effect for employment and the economy," said Jeanne Englehart, president & CEO of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "Not just in the jobs it creates immediately, but through the long-term benefits of a beautiful new gateway to our downtown and the type of infrastructure we need to position Grand Rapids for future growth."
To expedite the project and create a safer work zone, I-196 will be closed to through-traffic on April 12. However, downtown access will be maintained throughout the project via the Fuller Avenue and College Avenue interchanges for westbound I-196, and Ottawa Avenue and College Avenue interchanges for eastbound I-196. Two lanes of I-196 will be open in each direction by late August, with all lanes open by November.
"The communication goals for such a large project like the Fix on I-196 are reached only with the assistance and cooperation from our partners in the business community," said MDOT Region Engineer Roger Safford. "We commend the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for their continuing support and efforts."
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