Road construction: I-96 rebuilding work in Ionia County begins, expect delays

PORTLAND — Another freeway project could cause years of slowdowns for drivers who commute to and from Grand Rapids on Interstate 96.

Monday was the kickoff date for a $105 million rebuild of an 8-mile stretch between Sunfield and Bliss roads, although the job actually began last week with demolition work on the Jordan Lake Road bridge over I-96, the state Department of Transportation said.

This year's work will include temporary widening and installing crossover lanes in preparation for the actual rebuilding work in 2025 and 2026, MDOT spokesman John Richard said. Through at least mid-July, the lane closures will be taken down on Friday mornings to give drivers clear sailing on the weekends, he said.

All traffic will be shifted to the eastbound lanes next year so the westbound lanes can be rebuilt, MDOT said. In 2026, the new westbound lanes will carry all traffic while the eastbound lanes are being rebuilt.

The multi-year project will be the first full rebuild of that stretch of the freeway since it went in more than 60 years ago, although it was resurfaced with recycled concrete in 1986, Richard said.

Drivers can expect lane closures, traffic shifts and ramp closures over the life of the project, MDOT said.

The Jordan Lake Road bridge is closed at the freeway, although the freeway exit and entrance ramps remain open, MDOT said.

Contact Ken Palmer atkpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on X @KBPalm_lsj.