Traffic rolls along all lanes of I-196 in Grand Rapids as The Fix on I-196 project completed Monday morning. (photo courtesy MDOT Traffic Cam at 8:10 a.m. Nov. 15, 2010)
I-196 all fixed
Project widened lanes, replaced bridges
Updated: Monday, 15 Nov 2010, 1:48 PM EST
Published : Friday, 12 Nov 2010, 3:29 PM EST
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The cones are gone. The road is open. The Fix on I-196 is finished.
The $40 million project began in April and finished Monday morning on time and on budget.
Construction crews did a complete concrete rebuild on both eastbound and westbound lanes. They widened the highway from two lanes to three, and replaced five bridges through the heart of Grand Rapids.
Speed limits have increased from 55 miles per hour to either 65 or 70 mph, saving drivers a few extra minutes in their commute.
"For a project of this magnitude to go as smoothly as it did shows how effective our local partnerships are," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle in a news releae. "I-196 is a strategic piece of Michigan's transportation infrastructure and we are pleased to present this new gateway to the city of Grand Rapids and West Michigan."
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The Fix on I-196
Maps, live traffic cams, and complete info on how to navigate I-196 in Grand Rapids.
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