Construction to begin on I-196 in Michigan

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Construction will begin next week to rebuild a section of I-196 in Michigan’s Ottawa County.

The $66 million project will rebuild seven miles of I-196 from Byron Road in Zeeland to 32nd Avenue in Hudsonville. This stretch carries approximately 50,000 cars daily.

Westbound traffic will be shifted to the eastbound side of the roadway while the westbound lanes are rebuilt starting this month. Next year, both directions of traffic will be shifted to the new westbound side while the eastbound is rebuilt.

Work includes removing trees for culvert work, culvert replacement, sewer and drainage improvements, and bridge work.

“Across Michigan, we are fixing the damn roads to save motorists time and money,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Investments like this in Ottawa County will ensure I-196 is smooth and safe for years to come.”

Whitmer’s $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan program invests in state highways and bridges that are critical to the economy and carry the most traffic. It is part of a long-term plan to improve the state’s infrastructure.

“My Rebuilding Michigan Plan is implementing long-term solutions for our roads and bridges by fixing them with the right mix and materials, making them much less susceptible to our notorious pothole seasons,” Whitmer said.