U-S 131 is the busiest expressway in all of Michigan outside of Detroit with 120,000 vehicles a day.
“Come Easter Sunday we’re going to completely shut down northbound 131 at 28th Street.”
You heard it right. Northbound 131 will shut down for four weeks to repair the bridges over Plaster Creek just south of Burton in Grand Rapids, and for joint repairs from 28th Street to Pearl Street.
“When that’s done, then we’ll flip, and we’ll close southbound 131 at Burton.”
John Richard is the Communications Representative for the Michigan Department of Transportation Grand Region.
He says that stretch is the original pavement put in during the 1950’s and 60’s. It is long overdue for rebuilding.
Even this spring’s $6.2 million dollar project is just a Band-Aid for a complete re-do that would cost more than $500 million.
That’s not in the budget.
“Make no mistake about it: this is going to be very disruptive to traffic but its necessary. We have to keep 131 alive while we can because it needs some TLC.”
When this project is finished in June, crews will shut down the ramp from northbound 131 to east and west bound 196 connecting to Alpine Avenue for the next big project.
Richard says drivers should check Google maps and the MDOT website for detour options and construction updates... and bring patience along for the ride.
“The next couple months are going to be challenging.”
