Weekend Full Closures and Ramp Shutdowns Coming to I-196 Interchange

With summer soon coming to an end, I'm sure most of us thought that our road construction woes would be put on hold soon, too. But alas, more headaches are coming to West Michigan drivers before the snow falls this year.

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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced upcoming work to improve five bridges at the I-196/US-131 interchange in downtown Grand Rapids.

I-196 Lane and Bridge Closures Coming in September and October

According to a release from MDOT, the project is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22, and last through "late October". The work will include repairing of concrete substructure, painting, replacing some bearings, and more.

READ MORE: This One Thing Will Make Michigan’s Construction Season Worse

What to Expect From the Construction at the 196/131 Interchange in Grand Rapids

While the schedule isn't fully finalized yet, we do know that there will be lane closures on both east and westbound I-196 at the interchange. In addition, the westbound I-196 ramp to southbound 131  will be closed.

The unknown timetable comes into play when it comes to the total closure of the eastbound lanes of I-196 at US-131. MDOT says that eastbound 196 will be closed over two weekends, but as of now, those weekends have not been decided upon.