October 27, 2025

I-196 Closure for Bridge Work in Grand Rapids

News Summary

Eastbound I-196 will be closed from U.S. 131 to Scribner Avenue starting at 10 p.m. on Friday and reopening at 6 a.m. on Monday. This closure is part of ongoing bridge work by MDOT, which includes several upgrades. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes and check real-time updates for traffic conditions during this period.

Grand Rapids – Eastbound I-196 will be closed from U.S. 131 to Scribner Avenue starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, October 24, and reopening at 6 a.m. on Monday, October 27. This closure is part of ongoing bridge work conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

In addition to the highway closure, the ramp from eastbound I-196 to southbound U.S. 131 will also be closed from 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday. Drivers needing to navigate through the area are encouraged to utilize a recommended detour route that redirects traffic from eastbound I-196 to northbound U.S. 131, followed by eastbound I-96.

MDOT has invested approximately $1.3 million into improving five bridges at the I-196/US-131 interchange. The construction project entails a variety of upgrades, including concrete substructure repair, slope improvements, bearing replacement, and repainting of the bridges. This work commenced on September 22 and is expected to continue until late October.

Traffic conditions might fluctuate during construction, and MDOT advises the public to use the MiDrive map for real-time updates on lane closures and traffic conditions in the area. Furthermore, additional ramp closures are scheduled for the upcoming weekend at the I-96 and Plainfield Avenue interchange.

As winter approaches and the construction season comes to a close, MDOT remains committed to keeping drivers informed and safe while navigating through necessary construction zones across Michigan.

For further clarification, the upcoming weekend closure on eastbound I-196 seeks to ensure the successful completion of important bridge repairs critical to maintaining infrastructure safety in the Grand Rapids area.