Michigan MDOT Unveils Major Road Construction Season Across West Michigan As Infrastructure Challenges Mount

Michigan's road construction season has officially begun with multiple projects closing travel corridors across West Michigan counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing millions in critical infrastructure improvements that will require lane closures, detours, and temporary road shutdowns throughout the region.

Muskegon County Bridges Under Reconstruction

A $7 million project to improve US-31 bridges over I-96 near Muskegon got underway Monday, necessitating lane and ramp closures on both north and southbound US-31 over I-96 in Norton. The construction includes ramp resurfacing, partial bridge deck replacement, new expansion joints, substructure improvements, approach replacement and new bridge railing. Work will continue through mid-November.

The US-31 rebuilding project near Interlochen could begin as early as April 7, forcing a detour through the region. MDOT is investing approximately $7 million to improve the US-31 bridges over I-96 in Muskegon County, including resurfacing the on and off ramps at the interchange.

Osceola County Bridge Improvements

The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $5 million to improve the M-66 bridge over the Muskegon River in eastern Osceola County between US-10 and M-115. The project near Evart will focus on substructure repair, joint replacement, steel repair, painting and approach work. Work is scheduled to run through mid-November 2026.

Calhoun and St. Joseph County Highways

MDOT and contractor Lakeland Asphalt Corp. will be repaving 5.5 miles of three state highways and one carpool lot in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. The project includes repaving M-60, M-86 and M-99, scheduled to begin April 13.

Grand Rapids City Roads

The city of Grand Rapids is planning over $51 million in road improvements with 130 reconstruction projects planned for this year. Four major projects will receive significant attention:

• Burton Street: An $11.17 million project will rebuild Burton Street from Division Avenue to Kalamazoo Avenue. The street will be closed at times during construction from April to November 2026. The project includes lead service line replacement, water main improvements, sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades, and new asphalt pavement.

• Buchanan Avenue: This $5.88 million project will reconstruct Buchanan Avenue from Hall Street to Corinne Street. The road will be fully closed during the project, which will start this spring and end in June 2027. It will include the addition of bike lanes, the replacement of lead service lines and water main work.

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

• Monroe Avenue: This $1.15 million project will reconstruct Monroe Avenue from Coldbrook Street to Newberry Street. It will start in April and run through June. The project will focus on resurfacing the roadway and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.

Other Regional Projects

MDOT plans additional road work in Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake counties. In Osceola County, two bridge projects are scheduled to begin April 13, both affecting regional travel routes.

What This Means for West Michigan Travelers

The construction season will impact daily commutes and regional travel throughout West Michigan. Drivers should plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time when using affected corridors.

The projects address aging infrastructure, lead service line replacements, and bridge safety improvements across the region. MDOT officials say the work is necessary to maintain safe and reliable transportation networks for Michigan residents and businesses.

Sources

• https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2026/04/07/resurfacing-starts-on-m-60-m-86-and-m-99-in-calhoun-and-s-joseph-counties-april-13
• https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2026/04/01/us-31-rebuilding-detour-near-interlochen-could-begin-as-early-as-april-7
• https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/news-outreach/pressreleases/2026/04/06/m-66-bridge-improvements-over-the-muskegon-river-start-april-13-in-osceola-county
• https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/04/4-major-grand-rapids-roads-closing-for-construction-starting-this-spring.html