GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After initially announcing the ramp from westbound I-196 to southbound US-131 would be closed through April 2026, now the Michigan Department of Transportation says a temporary fix could be in place by early January.
The ramp in downtown Grand Rapids was closed down after a semi truck loaded with gravel hit the elevated ramp on Tuesday morning.
UPDATE-
— MDOT - West Michigan (@MDOT_West) December 3, 2025
Grand Rapids-
The ramp from westbound I-196 to southbound US-131 is closed for bridge repair through April 30. Alternate route- Exit at Lane Ave, head south (left) on Lane Ave, east (left) on First St to EB I-196 to southbound US-131.
MiDrive- https://t.co/fmfBAbvO1h pic.twitter.com/zYYpn8aeeL
A semi-truck crash carrying approximately 140,000 pounds of pea gravel lost control while headed south on US-131 and hit the ramp. The damage forced a full structural inspection, which resulted, initially, in a months-long closure of the ramp.
On Wednesday afternoon, MDOT told FOX 17 a temporary fix could be in place by the first or second week of January to open the ramp to traffic. A permanent fix would later be made, said an MDOT spokesperson.
The incident happened around 11 a.m. when the truck was traveling south on US-131 in the center lanes. According to Michigan State Police, the truck's front end began to pitch left, and when the driver tried to correct it, the truck drifted into the westbound-to-southbound US-131 ramp.
The truck became partially wedged under the ramp structure. It took about an hour to get the truck driver out. The driver suffered minor injuries. No other cars were involved in the crash.
Traffic Crash:
— MSP Sixth District (@mspwestmi) December 3, 2025
12/2 at 11:00 a.m.
Synopsis:
Multiple troopers and Motor Carrier Officers were dispatched to a semi-truck hauling approximately 140,000 lbs. of pea gravel and sand that flipped in the S-curves of 131.
The truck was southbound in the center lanes when the front… pic.twitter.com/uCM2fMJ9wS
The crash forced the closure of southbound US-131 near I-196 for hours while crews responded to the scene. This portion reopened around 1 a.m. Tuesday.
The state's MiDrive map still reported on Wednesday the total ramp closure would not end until April 30, 2026. MDOT says the detour is to travel westbound on I-196, exit at Lane Avenue, then get back on I-196 eastbound before taking the ramp to southbound US-131.
