MDOT Unveils Major Spring Construction Projects Across West Michigan, Promises $61 Million in Highway Improvements

Michigan Department of Transportation Announces Multi-Million Dollar Road Projects in Livingston, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo Counties

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a series of major construction projects beginning throughout April 2026 across West Michigan. The projects represent approximately $61 million in state investment aimed at improving critical highway infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion for drivers throughout the region.

The construction season kickoff includes work on three major projects spanning from Livingston County in the east to Muskegon and Kalamazoo Counties in the west. Each project addresses specific transportation challenges that have been affecting commuters and freight movement throughout the region.

I-96/Grand River Avenue Diverging Diamond Interchange in Livingston County

In Livingston County, MDOT is investing $41 million to rebuild the I-96/Grand River Avenue interchange as a diverging diamond interchange. This project will begin with lane and ramp closures starting on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The new diverging diamond configuration will replace the existing interchange, which has long been a bottleneck for traffic moving between I-96 and Grand River Avenue in the area. The project includes replacing the I-96 culvert over Ore Creek and rebuilding two I-96 bridges over Grand River Avenue.

According to MDOT officials, the diverging diamond design will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at this critical intersection. The new configuration allows vehicles to cross over to the opposite side of the highway, creating safer passing opportunities and reducing the number of conflict points at the interchange.

I-96/US-31 Bridge Improvements in Muskegon County

MDOT is investing approximately $7 million to improve the US-31 bridges over I-96 in Muskegon County. Construction on these bridge improvements and resurfacing work will begin on April 6, 2026, at the I-96/US-31 interchange.

The project includes resurfacing the on and off ramps at the interchange to improve safety and extend the lifespan of the infrastructure. The Blue Water Bridge area serves as a critical transportation corridor for both commuter traffic and freight movement between Michigan and neighboring regions.

I-94/US-131 Interchange Expansion in Kalamazoo County

Perhaps the most extensive project in terms of duration and scope is the $13.4 million road project on the I-94 and US-131 interchange in Kalamazoo County. Construction on this project began March 2, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through September 2026.

MDOT and Allegan County contractor Milbocker and Sons are working to add an additional lane called an auxiliary lane to get drivers onto northbound US-131 between westbound I-94 and Stadium Drive. According to MDOT Spokesperson Nick Schrippa, the auxiliary lane connects an entrance ramp to the next exit ramp, providing drivers with extra distance to accelerate, decelerate, or weave safely rather than forcing them to merge directly into high-speed through-traffic lanes.

"It is not a traffic lane, it doesn't continue on, it doesn't make northbound US-131 a true three lane freeway there, just in the northbound side, it is one lane that essentially connects two exits," Schrippa explained.

The project also includes widening the westbound I-94 ramp to northbound US-131 to accommodate the new auxiliary lane. Schrippa acknowledged that lane and ramp closures on US-131 and I-94 will cause headaches for drivers over the summer construction period.

"We're going to ask you to bear with us for those couple of weeks where we're closing things," Schrippa said. "But we're going to get in and get it done and get out as quickly as we can."

The area is expected to be congested during construction, with crews required to close one or two ramps to complete work on them. There will be periods where portions of the interchange are closed to allow for proper construction.

Regional Impact

These projects represent significant investment in West Michigan's transportation infrastructure. The I-96 corridor serves as a major transportation artery connecting Detroit to the western part of the state, while the I-94/US-131 interchange in Kalamazoo County handles substantial freight traffic moving through the region.

The $41 million investment in the Livingston County diverging diamond interchange will provide long-term benefits to drivers throughout the area, reducing congestion and improving safety at one of the region's most problematic intersections.

The Muskegon County bridge improvements address the needs of drivers using the Blue Water Bridge corridor, which serves as a critical transportation link for both passenger and commercial traffic.

The Kalamazoo County project aims to improve traffic flow at a busy interchange that has long been a challenge for drivers navigating between I-94 and US-131. The auxiliary lane will provide safer merging options and reduce congestion during peak travel times.

Construction Timeline Summary

| Project | Location | Investment | Start Date | Duration |

|---------|----------|------------|------------|----------|

| I-96/Grand River Diverging Diamond | Livingston County | $41 million | April 3, 2026 | TBD |

| I-96/US-31 Bridge Improvements | Muskegon County | $7 million | April 6, 2026 | TBD |

| I-94/US-131 Auxiliary Lane | Kalamazoo County | $13.4 million | March 2, 2026 | Through September 2026 |

What Drivers Should Expect

MDOT officials have urged drivers to plan ahead for the upcoming construction season. The projects will involve lane closures, ramp closures, and temporary traffic patterns that will affect travel throughout the region.

The I-96/Grand River Avenue project in Livingston County will see two lanes of westbound traffic closed from Dorr Road to Chilson Road beginning April 3. This closure is part of the larger diverging diamond interchange reconstruction.

The Muskegon County bridge improvements will involve resurfacing work on the on and off ramps at the I-96/US-31 interchange, which may require temporary lane restrictions.

The Kalamazoo County project is already underway and will continue through September, with periodic closures of ramps and lanes to allow construction crews to complete the auxiliary lane installation and ramp widening work.

Looking Ahead

These projects are part of MDOT's broader infrastructure improvement efforts across Michigan. The state continues to invest in critical transportation corridors that serve as the backbone of the regional economy.

The $61 million combined investment demonstrates Michigan's commitment to maintaining and improving its highway infrastructure. These projects will provide long-term benefits to drivers throughout West Michigan, reducing congestion and improving safety on major transportation routes.

As construction begins, MDOT will continue to provide updates on traffic patterns and alternative routes for drivers affected by the projects. The department's goal is to complete all work as quickly as possible while maintaining safety for workers and motorists alike.