Major Construction Kickoff for Historic I-96 Infrastructure Project

IONIA COUNTY, Mich — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hoping to get an early start to a $130 million construction project to rebuild a portion of I-96 in Ionia County. MDOT said that milder temperatures could allow crews to begin work on the nine-mile stretch of road on Monday, March 30.

The construction will completely rebuild I-96 between Bliss Road and Sunfield Road, including drainage improvements, new culverts, guardrails, concrete curbs and gutters. The work will also include improvements on the Jordan Lake Road bridge over I-96.

Traffic Restrictions and Construction Timeline

There will be multiple traffic restrictions throughout the construction, beginning with lane closures in both directions of I-96 for the first two or three weeks. Following the lane closures, eastbound I-96 will be crossed over to the new westbound lanes, with one lane open for eastbound traffic and two for westbound traffic.

That will last until Memorial Day Weekend. Eastbound I-96 ramps at Jordan Lake Road and M-66 will be closed.

Construction will last through late November of 2026, with the entire project slated to be completed in August of 2027.

Economic Impact and Government Program

MDOT says they expect the project to directly and indirectly support 1,100 jobs. The I-96 rebuild is part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's "Rebuilding Michigan" program.

The $130 million investment represents a significant commitment to improving one of the major arteries connecting Grand Rapids to Ionia County and beyond. This infrastructure project addresses critical safety concerns and modernizes the highway system for increased traffic volumes.

Project Details

The rebuild encompasses a comprehensive list of improvements:

• Complete reconstruction of the roadway surface
• New drainage systems to handle water runoff
• Installation of new culverts to improve water flow
• Replacement and upgrade of guardrails throughout the corridor
• New concrete curbs and gutters along the entire stretch
• Bridge improvements at Jordan Lake Road

The project nears Saranac and Portland, serving as a vital transportation link for residents and businesses in the region.

Community Impact

The construction will significantly impact traffic patterns for residents of Ionia County and Grand Rapids. Commuters should expect substantial detours and lane reductions during the initial phase of the project.

The MDOT expects the early start of construction due to favorable weather conditions, which typically allow for more efficient work on outdoor infrastructure projects.