Getting Around Michigan: Road And Bridge Construction Updates

Michigan’s highways and bridges are getting a major facelift in 2025. The Rebuilding Michigan Program is tackling worn-out roads, aging bridges, and outdated interchanges across the state. Whether you’re a daily commuter or planning a road trip through the Great Lakes State, these construction projects will impact your travel plans. Here’s what you need to know about five major infrastructure projects currently reshaping Michigan’s transportation network.

Grand Rapids Area Faces I-96 Traffic Shifts

An eight-mile stretch of I-96 between Bliss Road and Sunfield Highway near Grand Rapids resembles a giant puzzle as crews reconfigure this vital east-west artery. Unlike traditional reconstruction projects, this innovative approach keeps traffic flowing – albeit slowly – by shifting all vehicles to one side while workers rebuild the other.

The $85 million project has created a temporary two-way traffic pattern with concrete barriers separating opposing lanes. Speed limits have dropped to 55 mph, and Michigan State Police report increased patrols targeting distracted driving through the construction zone. Morning commuters should budget an extra 15-25 minutes, while afternoon rush hour can add up to 40 minutes to travel times.

Local businesses along the corridor have created a “Construction Survival Guide” offering special discounts to travelers affected by delays. The project remains on schedule for completion by October 2025, when drivers will enjoy smoother pavement, improved sight lines, and upgraded safety features.

I-94 Corridor Transforms With Multi-Year Makeover

Crews in hard hats are busy along Interstate 94 in Southwest Michigan, tackling the most ambitious phase yet of a long-term reconstruction effort. The 2025 focus centers on rebuilding westbound lanes between Washington Avenue and Britain Avenue, including several aging bridges that have reached the end of their service life.

Traffic patterns have shifted dramatically since spring, with all vehicles sharing the eastbound side through a temporary contraflow system. Expect reduced speed limits of 45 mph and narrower lanes throughout the construction zone. Smart travelers are adding at least 20 minutes to their expected travel times during peak periods.

When completed in November, this segment will feature wider shoulders, improved drainage, and modern safety features like enhanced guardrails and breakaway sign posts. The project represents a $120 million investment in this vital east-west corridor connecting Detroit to Chicago.

Metro Detroit’s I-696 Undergoes Major Reconstruction

Rush hour headaches have multiplied for Metro Detroit commuters as the I-696 reconstruction project enters full swing between Lahser Road and I-75. Eastbound lanes are completely closed, forcing nearly 150,000 daily drivers to find alternative routes through already congested surface streets or neighboring interstates.

Demolition crews have removed the original 1960s-era concrete, exposing the underlying roadbed for the first time in decades. The $350 million project isn’t just replacing pavement – workers are installing modern drainage systems, rebuilding bridges, and reconfiguring problematic entrance ramps that have long contributed to traffic bottlenecks.

For fastest travel, transportation officials recommend using the official detour route along I-275 and I-75, though many locals have discovered creative alternatives through Royal Oak and Southfield. Weekend warriors should note that occasional full closures affect both directions during bridge beam installations.

Oakland County’s I-75/M-15 Interchange Gets Complete Overhaul

Southbound travelers on I-75 through Oakland County are navigating a construction maze as crews tackle the complex I-75/M-15 interchange rebuild. The current phase focuses entirely on southbound lanes, where workers are not just resurfacing but completely reconstructing the roadbed to modern standards.

Traffic has been reduced to two lanes in each direction, with temporary crossovers creating unexpected merging patterns that catch many drivers by surprise. The interchange’s original 1950s-era design never anticipated today’s traffic volumes, making this $175 million upgrade long overdue.

Local residents have mixed feelings about the project’s 24-hour work schedule – while construction noise continues overnight, the accelerated timeline means completion is expected by August instead of dragging into 2026. Once finished, the new interchange will feature dedicated turn lanes, longer merge areas, and improved sight lines that should reduce the area’s historically high accident rate by an estimated 35%.

Detroit’s I-375 Transformation Creates Urban Boulevard

The most dramatic infrastructure change in Detroit’s recent history is taking shape as crews convert the I-375 freeway spur into an urban boulevard. Heavy equipment operators are busy removing concrete barriers and overpasses that have divided neighborhoods since the 1960s, when the original construction displaced a historic Black community.

The $180 million project represents more than just transportation infrastructure – it’s an attempt to heal old wounds while creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor with wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and green spaces. Business owners along the route have formed a coalition to ensure their voices are heard during construction, with many excited about the potential for increased foot traffic.

During construction, drivers can expect complete closures on alternating weekends, with detailed detour information available through MDOT’s MI Drive app. When completed in late 2025, the new surface-level boulevard will reconnect neighborhoods while preserving access to key destinations like Renaissance Center, Eastern Market, and the Detroit Riverfront.