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M-44/M-37 (E. Beltline Avenue) Bridge Replacement over I-96
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.
Stay connected
Media questions? Contact John Richard, Media Representative, at 616-262-1565.