MDOT to begin improvements on US-131
from West River Drive to 10 Mile Road in Grand Rapids
Contact:
Dawn Garner, MDOT Office of Communications, 616-451-4063
Agency:
Transportation
May 21, 2007 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is scheduled to begin a two-year project Tuesday, May 29, on US-131 from West River Drive to 10 Mile Road.
The project includes resurfacing 6.4 miles of US-131 and reconstructing the ramps at West River Drive, Post Drive and 10 Mile Road in the Grand Rapids area.
"We are focusing our efforts this season on improving the US-131 corridor in the greater Grand Rapids area," said Roger Safford, MDOT Grand Region engineer. "Our engineers have worked with the contractors to coordinate this work with the other construction on US-131 to try and minimize the impact to motorists."
During the initial preparation stage, there will be lane closures on northbound US-131 from daylight until 3 p.m., and closures on southbound US-131 from 9 a.m. until dusk. This work is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Once that work is completed, there will be two lanes of traffic maintained for both northbound and southbound. One lane of northbound traffic will be shifted to the southbound side of the roadway and used as an express lane. Express lane traffic will not be able to access the exits.
"We have maintained a similar express lane on the other US-131 project in Grand Rapids, and that has helped with traffic flow and reduced delays," said Erick Kind, Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center manager.
Ramp work is expected to begin in late-June. Ramps to West River Drive, Post Drive, and 10 Mile Road will each be closed for six weeks for reconstruction. Ramp closures will not
occur on multiple interchanges simultaneously. The ramp from US-131 northbound to West River Drive will not be closed and access to Fifth Third Ballpark will be maintained throughout the project.
Construction on northbound US-131 from West River Drive to 10 Mile Road is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2007. Work on southbound US-131will resume next spring.
This $19.3 million dollar project will improve the ride quality and extend the life of the roadway. It continues a commitment by MDOT and the Granholm administration to create jobs, improve quality of life, and provide the highest quality integrated transportation services for Michigan residents and businesses.
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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