Skip to main content

Crews get a jump start on rebuilding eastbound I-96 in Ionia County

IONIA COUNTY, Mich. - With milder temps, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and project contractors are getting an early start to continue rebuilding I-96 in Ionia County. MDOT is investing approximately $130 million to rebuild more than 9 miles of I-96 between Bliss Road and Sunfield Road. Work includes rebuilding the roadway, drainage improvements, new culverts, new guardrail, concrete curb and gutter, and improvements on the Jordan Lake Road bridge over I-96.

The I-96 rebuilding project in Ionia County is made possible by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state's economy and carry the most traffic.

County:
Ionia

Highway:
I-96

Closest communities:
Saranac and Portland

Start date:
Monday, March 30, 2026

Estimated end date:
Late November 2026

Overall project finish date:
August 2027

Traffic restrictions:
Lane closures will be in effect for the first two to three weeks to set up the work zone. Once that’s in place, eastbound I-96 traffic will be crossed over to the new westbound lanes with two lanes open for westbound I-96 and one lane open for eastbound I-96 until Memorial Day weekend. The eastbound I-96 ramps at Jordan Lake Road and M-66 will be closed.

Jobs numbers:
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,100 jobs.

Safety benefit:
This project will improve the ride quality and extend the service life of this vital corridor. 

The Rebuilding Michigan Project profile for I-96 in Ionia County.

Media Contact: