LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark Huizenga is reminding local residents that a project to replace the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in Walker will start on Monday, March 31.
“Replacing this aging bridge and updating the obsolete I-96 interchange will improve safety, access and quality while helping support continued economic growth and business investment,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “After nearly a decade of working with the city of Walker, the Michigan Department of Transportation and legislative leaders, I was able to secure $25 million in 2023 for this critical infrastructure improvement — providing a real solution to a real problem facing our community.
“In addition to providing a safe crossing for West Michigan families, this new bridge will help bring new opportunities to our region and enhance people’s lives for decades to come.”
Huizenga said the construction will start on March 31 and is expected to be completed in November.
The $30 million project will replace the 64-year-old Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge, widen the roadway by two lanes from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive, reconfigure the interchange, and creating a safe passageway for pedestrians, cyclists, and families on both sides of the bridge.
Huizenga secured $25 million in state funding for the project in a 2023 supplemental budget bill.
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