New Baldwin Avenue on-ramp to EB I-196 opens tonight
Contact:
John Richard, MDOT Office of Communications, 616-451-4063
Agency:
Transportation
November 13, 2009 -- A three-year, $50 million interchange and a reconstruction project nears completion tonight as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) opens a new on-ramp in the city of Jension. Last year's newly constructed off-ramp from westbound I-196 to Baldwin Avenue will now be complimented with access to eastbound I-196 from Baldwin Avenue. Eastbound I-196 traffic will return to its normal pattern as two lanes will be opened on eastbound and westbound I-196.
"We are excited for our customers and appreciate all of the local support," said MDOT region engineer Roger Safford. "Regional partnerships and teamwork have given us this final product that will make the roadway safer and improve traffic flows."
Upgrades made this year include a weave/merge lane between the on-ramp from Chicago Drive and the off-ramp to M-11 (28th Street), two newly constructed bridges on eastbound I-196 over Buck Creek and over the CSX Railroad, and the completion of seven retaining walls along eastbound I-196.
"Georgetown Township has supported this project since the very beginning," said MDOT Grand Rapids TSC manager Erick Kind. "We are very pleased to deliver this needed access point ahead of schedule." Finishing detail work includes bridge painting, temporary pavement removal, and restoration that will continue in 2010, with a project completion date in late May.
Single lane closures will be needed on westbound I-196 this Saturday and into Sunday to place permanent pavement markings and remove the temporary barrier wall that currently separates eastbound and westbound traffic.
MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!
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