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MDOT’s I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue rebuilding project in Walker among elite for national top honors

Fast facts:

  • MDOT's project to rebuild the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in Walker has been selected as a Top 12 finalist in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards competition.
  • The project earned the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Quality of Life/Community Development (Medium Project Category) award last August.
  • As a finalist, the project is now in contention for the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award.

WALKER, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) recent project to rebuild and widen the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in the city of Walker, Kent County, has advanced to the finals of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) 2026 America’s Transportation Awards.       

The project is now in contention for the competition’s two highest honors: The Grand Prize and The People’s Choice Award. An independent panel of transportation experts will vote for the Grand Prize, while the People's Choice Award will be decided by the public through online voting now through 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. Winners will be announced by AASHTO on Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Louisville, Kentucky. Both awards come with a $10,000 cash prize for charity or a scholarship fund. Cast your vote for Michigan on the awards wesbite.

In partnership with the City of Walker, MDOT invested approximately $35 million to replace the original 1961 Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 and rebuild the interchange. A new nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road was also built, with trail connections on the north and south sides. The new structure and interchange have improved safety and traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians in this growing area.

"We know that improved connectivity supports economic and community development, but freeway bridge connections require a strong vision and even stronger partnerships to see through," said John Morrison, executive director for West Michigan Trails. "This project and the trail connection is the culmination of a vision that started 25 years ago and will serve the community for decades to come."

AASHTO has produced a video that highlights the project benefits and partnerships that helped earn the award and advance the project to the national finals.

"The Fruit Ridge bridge successfully meets one of our community’s most important transportation needs while creating lasting benefits for the entire region," said City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey Jr. "By safely bringing motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians together within one connected corridor, this project represents thoughtful, sustainable growth and a legacy that will serve future generations."

The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant via Public Act 1 of 2023 to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in west Michigan.

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