Construction season is upon us. If you regularly travel I-196 between Holland and Saugatuck, or maybe you're planning to visit beaches in southwest Michigan this summer - prepare for backups.

MDOT has announced they are rebuilding a 12 mile stretch of I-196 between 130th Avenue in Douglas and M-40 in Holland.

Courtesy of MDOT
Courtesy of MDOT
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Starting March 22, 2021, southbound I-196 will be shutting down, with both directions of traffic sharing the northbound side of the road.The southbound I-196 on and off ramps at Blue Star Highway (Exit 41) will be closed and traffic detoured south to Exit 36 (also Blue Star Highway). In early July, northbound US-31 traffic will be detoured onto I-196 and M-40.

In addition to rebuilding and resurfacing, culvert replacements, and bridge improvements, the project will also include replacing the Saugatuck Rest Area with a new facility.

The estimated end date for the project is Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.

The work is primarily funded by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program. The 2021-2025 Five-Year Transportation Program aims to:

rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

 

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