GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The bridge that carries eastbound I-196 over the Grand River is scheduled for a thorough rehabilitation that will require the complete closure of eastbound I-196 beginning April 9.
The project mirrors one that rebuilt the westbound bridge a couple of years ago.
When the eastbound lanes close at 9 p.m. April 9, traffic will be routed north on US-131 to I-96 eastbound. Traffic headed to downtown Grand Rapids will need to take US-131 south to Pearl Street, Market Avenue, or Wealthy Street.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is replacing the bridge deck over the Grand River.
In addition, work will begin April 18 at 9 p.m. on replacing the old pavement on both directions of I-196 between Fuller Maryland Avenues.
MDOT says two lanes will remain open westbound from I-96 to Fuller Avenue, where the freeway expands to three lanes. To avoid congestion caused by suddenly reducing three lanes to one, eastbound I-196 will see lane closures from College Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids past Fuller Avenue and through the rebuilding project to I-96.
When the project is finished in November 2021, there will be three new lanes on I-196 in both directions between Fuller Avenue and I-96.
