GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Since early April, the 25,000 drivers who use Michigan Street and 15,000 who use the Ottawa Avenue ramps to I-196 have endured the snags and snarls that come with a major road project.
“During prime time, it’s a pain in the butt,” said one driver waiting to make a turn onto Michigan Street.
But there’s good news. The cause of the traffic headache is almost over.
“That’s cool with me,” said the driver. “Get ‘er done!”
The $3 million project — about half the cost was picked up by federal and state grants — replacing the rutted, pothole ridden stretch of Michigan Street between Ionia and Monroe avenues with smooth pavement and some aesthetics in the form of landscaping.
But it will also provide a less frustrating commute, especially for motorist using the I-196 ramps to Ottawa Avenue.
“What you will now see is there will be traffic signals. So when you’re coming off eastbound or westbound, there will be a signal that will allow the different movements to occur,” said Assistant City Engineer Rick DeVries.
The barrier that used to prevent drivers from making a left turn on to Michigan Street after exiting the eastbound Ottawa Avenue ramp has been removed.
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