News Summary
The Martin Luther King Jr. Street bridge in Grand Rapids will be reconstructed starting in April 2026, as announced by the Michigan Department of Transportation. This $30 million project will replace the east section of the bridge and will entail a nine-month closure affecting all traffic. The bridge, currently rated in serious condition, has urgent rehabilitation needs to ensure safety and longevity. Traffic detours and alternative bike routes will be established during the construction period, set to conclude in December 2026.
Grand Rapids – In a significant infrastructure development, the Martin Luther King Jr. Street bridge over U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids will undergo a major reconstruction beginning in April 2026. The project, announced by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), is set to cost approximately $30 million and will span nine months, concluding in December 2026.
The reconstruction will focus on replacing the east section of the bridge, which encompasses an area from the northbound U.S. 131 ramps to the eastern end of the structure. During this construction period, the bridge will be fully closed to all traffic. Notably, the northbound U.S. 131 on- and off-ramps will also be closed for the duration of the project, although they will not undergo any reconstruction. In contrast, the southbound U.S. 131 ramps will remain accessible to drivers.
As traffic is redirected due to the bridge’s closure, westbound vehicles will be directed south on Division Avenue, then west on Hall Street, before heading north on Century Avenue to reach Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Conversely, eastbound traffic will detour via Sheridan Avenue, south on Century Avenue, east on Hall Street, and north on Division Avenue. Additionally, alternate bike routes will be established, redirecting cyclists north along Century Avenue, Cherry Street, and Ionia Avenue.
The bridge currently holds a “serious condition” rating of 2 out of 9, making it the only bridge in West Michigan to receive such a low assessment. This concerning rating underscores the urgency for rehabilitation, as the structure is in dire need of repair. The west end of the bridge was previously replaced in 2011, and now, approximately 700 feet of the east section will be replaced to ensure safety and longevity.
A water main replacement project is scheduled to commence in November 2025. However, this work is expected to occur without necessitating the closure of the bridge prior to the construction start in spring 2026.
MDOT has planned not only to reconstruct the bridge but also to widen the bridge piers, which will facilitate potential future improvements along Buchanan Avenue. These upgrades are considered essential for the increased safety and efficiency of transportation in the area.
Concerns have already been voiced by representatives from the Grand Rapids Housing Commission regarding the potential impact on residents at Campau Commons Apartments. The community is apprehensive about increased traffic detours and shortcutting through their living spaces during the reconstruction process.
This project is part of MDOT’s broader initiative aimed at improving Michigan’s infrastructure. By the end of the 2025 construction season, the department is on pace to have repaired, fixed, or replaced almost 24,500 lane miles of roads and 1,900 bridges across the state.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s timeline and the planned detour routes to minimize inconvenience during the construction period.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Major Reconstruction Project on US-131 in Kent County
Construction Begins on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids
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Grand Rapids Prepares for Major Construction in 2025
Additional Resources
- MLive: Bridge Closure Announcement
- Wood TV: MLK Jr. Bridge Project
- MSN: Public Meeting Invitation
- WZZM: Toys for Tots Drop-off Locations
- Google Search: Grand Rapids bridge construction
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
