September 3, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has completed resurfacing over 12 miles of I-96 two weeks ahead of schedule. All lanes on I-96 between M-104 and 68th Avenue are now open to through-traffic, just in time for the Labor Day holiday weekend. According to AAA, 1.4 million Michiganders have travel plans this weekend.
"The early completion of the project is a credit to our crews and with the holiday weekend it couldn't have come at a better time," said Erick Kind, MDOT's Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center manager. "I-96 is a major route to some of the best shoreline in the country. The $1.7 million invested will increase the ride quality and extend the pavement life for many years to come."
Among the challenges crews faced in finishing early included working at night and removing all lane restrictions by 6 a.m. each day to minimize the impact on morning commuters. Shoulder rumble strips also were implemented to further increase the safety of this major corridor.
This project was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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