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M-44/M-37 (E. Beltline Avenue) Bridge Replacement over I-96

An aerial view of the M-44/M-37 (E. Beltline Avenue) freeways.

M-44/M-37 (E. Beltline Avenue) Bridge Replacement over I-96

About this project

In partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, MDOT is investing approximately $30 million to replace the original East Beltline Avenue bridge over I-96.

The project also includes building a nonmotorized path across the bridge and bridge improvements over the Grand Rapids Eastern Railroad crossing just south of I-96.

Project details

Schedule

Preliminary work: Fall 2026

Construction: April - November 2027

Location

Grand Rapids, Kent County

Cost

$30 million

Benefits

  • Improved traffic flow
  • Increased safety
  • Extended service life of the corridor
  • New pedestrian connections to more nonmotorized systems in Grand Rapids Township and the city of Grand Rapids
  • Support 254 jobs (directly and indirectly)

Traffic impacts and detours

  • E. Beltline Ave. will be closed over I-96, with the exit ramps remaining open for most of the project.
  • The southbound E. Beltline Ave. entrance ramp to westbound I-96 will also remain open; however, the entrance ramp to eastbound I-96 will be closed and the entrance ramp to westbound I-96 from northbound E. Beltline Ave. will be closed.
  • Lane closures will be in effect on E. Beltline Ave. leading up to the bridge closure.
  • Short-term total closures will be in place on I-96 over weekends for bridge demolition and setting bridge beams.

Detours: 

  • Eastbound I-196 traffic can exit at Fuller Ave. and head north to eastbound Leonard St. for northbound East Beltline Ave. 
  • Eastbound I-96 traffic can exit at Leonard St. and then head east to E. Beltline Ave. 
  • Westbound traffic on I-96 can exit at Cascade Rd. and head west to southbound E. Beltline Ave.

Check Mi Drive for current lane closures

Know before you go!

Stay connected

Media questions? Contact John Richard, Media Representative, at 616-262-1565.

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  • Project questions?

    Grand Rapids TSC, 616-464-1800