News Summary
Drivers in downtown Grand Rapids should prepare for major delays this week due to multiple road construction projects and ramp closures announced by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The ramp from northbound US-131 to eastbound I-196 will be closed for maintenance through Thursday. Additionally, significant resurfacing work on Plainfield Avenue will begin, causing lane and ramp closures during the night. Citizens are advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra travel time as these construction projects progress.
Grand Rapids – Drivers navigating through downtown Grand Rapids this week should brace for significant delays due to multiple road construction projects and ramp closures. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a closure that affects the ramp from northbound US-131 to eastbound I-196 (The Ford Freeway) for essential road maintenance work. This closure is anticipated to extend through Thursday afternoon, prompting drivers to seek alternative routes.
In addition to the ramp closure, road work is set to commence on Plainfield Avenue, impacting traffic in the area. Starting Tuesday, May 27, significant lane and ramp closures will take place as a major resurfacing initiative is launched. The project involves the resurfacing of 2.7 miles of Plainfield Avenue (M-44 Connector) from I-96 to Airway Street in Plainfield Township. Initial traffic implications will occur during specific hours; closures will take place nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday through Friday morning, May 30. During this period, Plainfield Avenue between Airway Street and Fuller Avenue will be affected.
Moreover, ramps at the Plainfield Avenue/I-96 interchange are also slated for closure this week, contributing to the anticipated congestion. Throughout the entire project duration, drivers can expect daily single-lane closures, with total closures at night impacting one direction of traffic at a time.
The construction plans include the addition of four landscaped medians, which are scheduled to be constructed during the summer, after school traffic has lessened. These new medians will be located north and south of Woodworth Avenue NE and Jupiter Avenue NE. While lane widths will narrow from 12 feet to 11 feet, the total number of traffic lanes on Plainfield Avenue will remain unchanged. The entire project is projected to conclude by late November.
The investment for the Plainfield Avenue project amounts to $4.6 million, with collaboration between MDOT, the Kent County Road Commission, and Plainfield Township, which has allocated an additional $2 million as approved by the township’s Board of Trustees. This initiative aims to achieve several goals, including calming traffic, reducing crashes, and improving walkability, which have been identified as priorities by the Plainfield community.
MDOT reported that while the number of road projects this year is decreased compared to previous years, some significant projects remain a priority. Among these is a substantial rebuild project in Ionia County, which involves shifting traffic to the eastbound lanes as the westbound pavement is replaced. This project will employ a unique traffic management strategy utilizing a “road zipper” machine to maintain traffic flow during construction.
In Kent County, ongoing work on US-131 between 76th and 100th streets continues, expected to be finalized by November. Another project, the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge replacement over I-96 in Walker, is also underway, with the new structure set to open in November. Additionally, several smaller projects focusing on pavement improvements will affect traffic patterns throughout the Southwest Region, covering areas west of I-69.
As these major construction projects progress, residents and commuters are encouraged to allow for extra travel time and remain aware of changing traffic conditions to minimize delays during their journeys.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17: Traffic Alert for Grand Rapids Drivers
- MLive: Road Closures on Plainfield Avenue
- Wood TV: Road Closures in Downtown Grand Rapids
- Fox17: Biggest Road Projects in West Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Traffic 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.
