News Summary
West Michigan drivers should be prepared for intermittent lane closures on U.S. 131 starting September 9 due to debris removal from a semi-truck accident. The closures will impact southbound lanes between 28th Street in Wyoming and 76th Street in Cutlerville. With ongoing assessments suggesting closures may last up to two weeks, MDOT is advising drivers to exercise caution and plan alternative routes to mitigate traffic congestion.
Wyoming, Michigan – West Michigan drivers will face intermittent lane closures on U.S. 131 scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, as officials undertake debris removal along the highway. The closures will affect the southbound lanes between 28th Street in Wyoming and 76th Street in Cutlerville, requiring drivers to navigate carefully through the affected areas.
The debris removal is necessary due to an ongoing situation resulting from a semi-truck accident at the 146th Avenue overpass in Allegan County. This accident, attributed to a semi exceeding height restrictions, resulted in significant damage to both the bridge and the roadway. As a precautionary measure, southbound lanes at the 146th Avenue overpass on U.S. 131 are currently closed and are anticipated to remain closed for at least two weeks, with the duration subject to extension based on further damage assessments.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has expressed hope that the southbound lanes might reopen by Friday; however, this timeline remains uncertain. In the meantime, traffic is being diverted to 76th Street, as the bridge’s total closure is expected to extend until May 2026, which may lead to further congestion and delays in the area.
This incident highlights a troubling trend, as Allegan County has reported several similar crashes involving oversized vehicles in recent years. These occurrences stress the importance of adherence to height restrictions by semi-truck drivers, particularly when carrying larger loads.
In addition to the U.S. 131 disruptions, there are several other road closures in West Michigan that drivers should be aware of. The I-96 on and off ramps to Plainfield Avenue (M-44) will be closed from July 18 at 7:00 PM until July 22 at 6:00 AM for maintenance work. A total closure of U.S. 10 in Scottville will also take place for watermain repairs from 8:00 AM on July 14 until September 1. Furthermore, lane closures on Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) are scheduled from July 15 to July 21 due to planned work assignments.
Weekday lane closures are also set for northbound U.S. 131 at 140th Avenue from July 14 to July 18 for bridge work, with the bridge expected to remain closed through mid-September. Other repairs are slated for both north and southbound U.S. 31 at Grant Road from July 14 to July 15, alongside the closure of 130th Avenue over I-196 for bridge work from July 14 to August 1, which will entail detours for drivers.
As closures and lane restrictions persist across West Michigan, drivers are urged to remain patient and plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays. Construction and maintenance efforts are critical to ensure the safety and longevity of the highway infrastructure, despite the inconveniences they may cause during the process.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on road conditions and traffic alerts, motorists are encouraged to monitor local news sources or the Michigan Department of Transportation’s official communications.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- MLive: US-131 Lane Closures
- Wikipedia: Traffic
- Free Press: MDOT Road Closures
- Google Search: Michigan road closures
- Fox17: MDOT Road Closures
- Google Scholar: Traffic Congestion
- WZZM13: Kalamazoo US-131 Bridge Repair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- Big Rapids News: US-131 Shut Due to Fire
- Google News: Kent County Road Closures
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.
