Michigan Construction Season Opens With Major Road Closures Across West Michigan Commuters Face Delays

Orange Cone Season Hits West Michigan With Over 80 Projects Starting This Week

Michigan's construction season has officially begun, bringing more than 80 road projects and special events to communities across West Michigan. The Michigan Department of Transportation is coordinating closures on major highways and state roads that will impact commuters throughout the region.

Drivers should be aware of closures on U.S. 131 in Montcalm and Kent counties, U.S. 23 in Cheboygan County, I-96 in Muskegon County, U.S. 31 in Grand Traverse and Oceana counties, and I-94 in Oakland County.

Major Highways Face Multi-Month Disruptions

The busiest corridors in West Michigan are experiencing significant closures that will last through summer and into fall.

U.S. 131 in Montcalm County will have its left lane closed from 7 a.m. Monday through the end of June between West Lake Montcalm Road and mile marker 116. The northbound left lane will face similar restrictions between mile markers 116 and 117. Eastbound West Lake Montcalm Road will be entirely closed during the same period between North Bass Lake Road and Olivia Lane.

In Kent County, the ramps to and from U.S. 131 at Franklin Street will close Monday for approximately seven months. During that time, Martin Luther King Jr. Street will be closed from U.S. 131 to Ionia Avenue, forcing drivers to detour using Division Avenue, Hall Street, and Century Avenue.

Muskegon and Interlochen See Critical Closures

Muskegon County faces closure of an interchange between I-96 and U.S. 31. This ramp links eastbound I-96 to northbound U.S. 31 in Muskegon. During the seven-month project, drivers will be detoured using Hile Road.

Interlochen residents and visitors face alternating closures on U.S. 31 between mile markers 152 and 154 in Oceana County. The left lane of the highway in both directions will close from Monday morning into mid-June.

Oakland County Commuters Hit With Multiple Closures

Oakland County sees three major disruptions that will affect daily commuters.

Westbound M-59 in Rochester Hills will experience intermittent single-lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through May 3 between Old 59 and South Livernois Road.

U.S. 24 in Waterford Township will see single-lane closures starting Wednesday morning and continuing into May. Crews will close one-mile segments of the right lane between Williams Lake Road and U.S. 24.

I-94 in Oakland County will have its left lane closed from 9 a.m. Thursday through 6 p.m. Saturday between Oakwood Boulevard and M-37. An additional lane will close throughout the weekend, likely slowing traffic through the area.

Grand Rapids City Projects Add to Statewide Construction

While MDOT coordinates statewide closures, the city of Grand Rapids is also moving forward with over $51 million in road improvements planned this year. The city is planning 130 road reconstruction projects aimed at replacing deteriorating streets and utilities, filling potholes, and extending road life.

Four major projects will receive the largest investments:

• Buchanan Avenue: This $5.88 million project will reconstruct Buchanan Avenue from Hall Street to Corinne Street. The road will be fully closed during construction, which starts this spring and ends in June 2027. The project includes bike lanes, lead service line replacement, and water main work.

• Burton Street: This $11.17 million project will rebuild Burton Street from Division Avenue to Kalamazoo Avenue. Construction spans from April to November 2026, with street closures during work periods. The project includes lead service line replacement, water main improvements, sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades, and new asphalt pavement.

• Cesar Chavez Avenue: This $3.5 million project will fully close Cesar Chavez Avenue from Beacon Street to Hall Street. Construction started March 30 and will run through August 2026, including lead service line replacement, water main work, and full reconstruction.

• Monroe Avenue: This $1.15 million project reconstructs Monroe Avenue from Coldbrook Street to Newberry Street. Work begins in April and runs through June, focusing on resurfacing and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.

All Projects Weather Dependent

State officials remind drivers that all construction projects are weather-dependent. A complete list of road projects is available through MDOT's online map and construction list.

Drivers should slow down and follow posted signage in all work zones. Extra travel time should be expected throughout West Michigan as these projects move forward.