Marshall Modernization

About this project

The Marshall Modernization project in Calhoun County includes improvements on M-96 (Michigan Avenue), I-94 and I-69, as well as the I-69/M-96, I-69/I-94 and I-94/M-311 interchanges in Emmett and Marshall townships and the city of Marshall. The project is being delivered using a progressive design-build model, the first in the state. Plans will be designed, reviewed and approved based on traffic models that meet design and safety requirements for future traffic volumes.

The project will accommodate the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation (MAJOR) Campus industrial development. In 2023, Ford Motor Co. announced construction of their 2.5-million square-foot BlueOval Battery site on the campus to manufacture electric vehicle batteries.

Funding for this project comes from bipartisan reauthorization signed by Gov. Whitmer in October 2022 and does not come from the MDOT budget.

Project details

Schedule

Spring 2025 - Winter 2027

Location

Calhoun County

Cost

$330 million (estimated)

Benefits

Additional capacity
Improved safety
Improved pedestrian access
Improved nonmotorized access

Project resources and information

I-69 Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) alternative

MEDC M-96 traffic impact study

Governor announces investment from Ford to build new battery manufacturing facility

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan - Choose Marshall

MAJOR Campus - Choose Marshall

Check current lane closures on Mi Drive

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the Marshall Modernization timeline?

MDOT will begin a study in 2023 and the project is anticipated to completed by 2027.
Why is MDOT doing the Marshall Modernization project?

The Marshall Modernization project is in support of the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation (MAJOR) Campus providing safe and reliable transportation for the industrial park and all users of the transportation system. The project will improve safety and operations on I-94, I-69, M-96 and M-311.
Will noise impacts be studied as part of the Marshall Modernization project?

MDOT conducts traffic noise studies on highway projects to understand how a project will impact noise levels for nearby homes, parks, schools, and other locations where activities can be negatively affected by traffic noise. More information on MDOT noise abatement is available on MDOT's Noise Abatement page.
Will pedestrian and bicycle improvements be included in the Marshall Modernization project?

A non-motorized path will be constructed along M-96 (Michigan Avenue) from West Drive to Opportunity Drive. A signalized pedestrian crossing will be at West Drive and Myron Avery/15 Mile Road. Later phases of the project are being evaluated for non-motorized users.
How will the Marshall Modernization project be funded?

The $330 million for the road work comes from a legislative appropriation from the Michigan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund. None of the funding comes from the MDOT budget.