Starting next Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is initiating a major overhaul on Grand River Avenue. Both eastbound and westbound lanes at the I-96 interchange, as well as the westbound I-96 ramp at Exit 145, will be closed in Livingston County for reconstruction. This part of the broad plan by the state to improve its infrastructure will see a significant section of this key thoroughfare out of commission, as reported by MDOT.
The construction project, part of a $45 million investment to transform the existing structure into a diverging diamond interchange, is expected to run through August 28. Governor Gretchen Whitmer voiced her support, emphasizing infrastructure as a cornerstone for local economies. "Across Michigan, we are moving dirt and fixing the damn roads to grow our economy, helping Michiganders go to work, drop their kids off at school and run errands safely," she noted in a statement released by MDOT. Officials predict that the investment will not just better the roads but bolster the job sector, with MDOT's economic modeling forecasting support for 429 jobs.
As for traffic, detours will redirect vehicles around the construction site. Eastbound traffic on Grand River Avenue must take Hilton Road to Old US-23, while westbound will follow a diversion using Spencer Road and northbound Old US-23 via I-96. The specifics of these detours have been outlined in MDOT's notice, clarifying that while the westbound ramp to eastbound Grand River Avenue remains open, the westbound I-96 ramp access to the westbound artery will be rerouted. Motorists should brace for delays and consider alternative routes during this period.
The need to close lanes during such extensive work is a necessary measure to protect crew and drivers, as stated by the MDOT. "This work will provide drivers with a smoother, safer driving surface," the department elucidates.
