The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the Kent County Road Commission, has reopened all lanes and ramps on US-131 from 76th Street to 100th Street ahead of the busy holiday travel period. The milestone marks the final major traffic shift of the 2025 construction season as MDOT wraps up one of the largest corridor rebuilds undertaken in southern Kent County in decades.
The $70 million, two-year project represents the first full reconstruction of this stretch of US-131 since its original pavement was poured in 1958. In addition to rebuilding the freeway, crews added new weave and merge lanes between the 76th and 84th Street interchanges, extending and connecting on-ramps and off-ramps in both directions to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
According to MDOT, the reopening will significantly ease travel for residents, commuters, and holiday drivers—removing barrels, barriers, and work zone restrictions that have been in place throughout the year.
Although the roadway is now fully open, crews will return in spring to complete the remaining components of the project. MDOT confirmed that spring work will include:
These finishing touches are part of the project's long-term design to ensure safety, environmental improvements, and smoother year-round operations.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "Rebuilding this segment of US-131 for the first time in almost 70 years is further proof that we need to continue investing in Michigan's infrastructure. It benefits everyone that relies on our roads and bridges to be safe and efficient."
Much of the investment was made possible through Gov. Whitmer's Rebuilding Michigan program, a statewide initiative targeting critical highways and bridges that carry the highest traffic volumes and have the greatest impact on the state’s economic performance.
The initiative emphasizes long-lasting fixes designed to extend pavement life, reduce the need for frequent repairs, and improve the overall quality of Michigan’s transportation network.
MDOT noted that the US-131 rebuild aligns with the program’s mission by delivering a durable, modernized corridor capable of supporting future growth and heavy travel demands.
The US-131 reopening comes as MDOT continues work across the state on bridge maintenance, culvert repairs, utility upgrades, and major reconstruction efforts.
Other active or upcoming projects include:
Together, these projects highlight MDOT’s broad statewide infrastructure strategy, emphasizing resiliency, safety, and long-term performance.
John Richard
MDOT Grand Region Media Representative
RichardJ2@Michigan.gov
616-262-1565
Originally reported by Michigan Government.
