Michigan Road Construction Season Begins Across West Michigan With Multiple MDOT Projects

Michigan's 2026 road construction season has officially begun with multiple projects starting across West Michigan, affecting communities from Grand Rapids to Northern Michigan.

The state's Department of Transportation announced dozens of road improvement projects launching between late March and mid-April, with work expected to continue through late summer and fall.

Grand Rapids And Kalamazoo Area

In the Grand Rapids region, MDOT has initiated resurfacing on M-60, M-86, and M-99 in Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. The project began April 13 and involves repaving 5.5 miles of three state highways plus one carpool lot.

Contractor Lakeland Asphalt Corp. will handle the work, which aims to improve ride quality and extend the service life of the roadway in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo area.

In Grand Traverse County, construction starts April 13 on improvements to the US-31 and 3 Mile Road intersection in East Bay Township near Traverse City. The $1.9 million project includes sidewalk and traffic signal improvements, a second westbound left-turn lane, and alignment of the Traverse City State Trail.

Muskegon And Northern Michigan

Muskegon residents face significant road work on Apple Avenue, where an $18.6 million project will rebuild two miles between Muskegon Avenue and Home Street. Construction begins April 15 and continues through late November.

The Apple Avenue project includes asphalt surfacing, lane reconfiguration, a new storm sewer, new concrete curb and gutter, new sidewalks, a new sanitary sewer, and a new water main. MDOT officials say the work will support approximately 157 jobs.

Northern Michigan communities are also experiencing road improvements. Between Ludington and Scottville in Mason County, MDOT is investing $6.8 million to resurface and improve drainage on US-10 and US-31. The project begins April 13 and is expected to be completed in mid-September.

Work is scheduled to begin Monday, April 13, on the stretch of highway between Brye Road and US-31. Motorists should expect lane closures and traffic shifts throughout construction.

Interstate And Highway Improvements

In Muskegon County, MDOT is investing approximately $7 million to improve the US-31 bridges over Interstate 96. The project includes resurfacing the on and off ramps at the interchange, ramp resurfacing, partial bridge deck replacement, new expansion joints, substructure improvements, approach replacement, and new bridge railing.

In Livingston County, MDOT will begin a traffic shift of westbound I-96 traffic to the eastbound side from Dorr Road to Chilson Road starting Friday, April 3.

Statewide Impact

MDOT launched construction on U.S. 23, I-96, U.S. 131, and other key routes with some projects lasting seven months and causing significant traffic detours. More than 80 road projects and special events began between Sunday, March 5, and Saturday, March 11, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The department expects these projects to improve safety, extend roadway life, and support local employment during the construction season.

Motorists should check MDOT's Mi Drive website for real-time updates on road closures, traffic cameras, and incident reports.