LOWELL TOWNSHIP, Mich. — After an initial postponement due to an equipment problem, the Michigan Department of Transportation plans to move a 2,100-ton bridge into its permanent position Friday night.
I-96 will be closed to allow for the process.
Here’s the plan:
8 p.m.
- M-50 Alden Nash Avenue closes over I-96 and remains closed until no later than Monday, October 20, 5 a.m. DETOUR: From westbound I-96 to access M-50 south of the expressway, exit at Nash Highway, north to Grand River Avenue, west to Segwun Avenue, south to 52nd Street, west to M-50. From eastbound I-96 to access M-50 north of the freeway, turn south on M-50, east on 52nd street, north on Segwun Avenue, west on Cascade Road to M-50.
9 p.m.
- I-96 eastbound and westbound closes at exit 52 M-50 Alden Nash Avenue. Eastbound I-96 will retain two lanes of traffic on the exit and entrance ramps to get past the closure. Westbound I-96 will be reduced to one lane to get access to the exit and entrance ramps. MDOT plans to have I-96 reopened by 10 a.m. Saturday, October 18, but hopes the bridge slide process will be completed earlier. Right turns onto M-50 will be allowed. Opening I-96 is a high priority.
11 p.m.
- Crews will special equipment and training will begin sliding the 4.2-million-pound bridge 72 feet to its final location.
Saturday and Sunday
- Construction of approaches on M-50 to the bridge.
