Michigan Begins $2 Billion Road Construction Season With Closures Across State

Crews from the Michigan Department of Transportation kicked off work on projects statewide as barricades went up and lanes shut down. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state will pump $2 billion per year into state and local roads.

MDOT shut down the M-89 Washington Avenue bridge spanning the Battle Creek River for a complete rebuild. Work started March 9. The $7.6 million project tackles bridge reconstruction, approach replacement, drainage fixes, guardrail installation, signal updates, water main moves, and pavement markings. Crews expect to finish by Oct. 9.

On March 6, MDOT crews began tearing down the M-96 Michigan Avenue bridge that crosses Interstate 94. This is part of the Marshall Modernization Project. I-94 closed between Interstate 194 Exit 98 and M-311/11 Mile Road Exit 104 during demolition, reopening Sunday, March 8.

On March 9, M-20 Stony Lake Road closed between 68th and 72nd avenues. The closure runs through late May. The Oceana County Road Commission is building a pedestrian tunnel beneath M-20.

MDOT is reconstructing the westbound side of M-14/Interstate 96 from Sheldon Road to Newburgh Road in Livonia and Plymouth Township. Starting yesterday and continuing into mid-July, eastbound M-14/I-96 will keep two lanes open from Sheldon Road to Newburgh Road. Westbound M-14/I-96 will maintain up to two lanes open from Newburgh Road to Sheldon Road. All work this year wraps up by December, with restoration scheduled for 2027.

Work continues on eastbound I-96 as MDOT invests $41 million to rebuild the I-96/Grand River Avenue interchange into a diverging diamond interchange. Three structures need replacement: the Ore Creek culvert under I-96 and two I-96 bridges over Grand River Avenue. One lane of I-96 in each direction at Grand River Avenue will stay closed until Sunday, Nov. 15.

MDOT shared safety tips for drivers in work zones. Speeding fines double in construction areas. Drivers should avoid distractions and put phones away while passing through work sites. Crews urge motorists to follow posted signs and instructions to merge, slow down, or stop.