News

Actions

I-96 to close at Lowell exit for unusual bridge slide

Posted at 10:05 AM, Oct 17, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-17 10:35:33-04

LOWELL TOWNSHIP, Mich. — After an initial postponement due to an equipment problem, the Michigan Department of Transportation plans to move a 2,100-ton bridge into its permanent position Friday night.

I-96 will be closed to allow for the process.

Here’s the plan:

8 p.m.

  • M-50 Alden Nash Avenue closes over I-96 and remains closed until no later than Monday, October 20, 5 a.m. DETOUR: From westbound I-96 to access M-50 south of the expressway, exit at Nash Highway, north to Grand River Avenue, west to Segwun Avenue, south to 52nd Street, west to M-50. From eastbound I-96 to access M-50 north of the freeway, turn south on M-50, east on 52nd street, north on Segwun Avenue, west on Cascade Road to M-50.

9 p.m.

  • I-96 eastbound and westbound closes at exit 52 M-50 Alden Nash Avenue. Eastbound I-96 will retain two lanes of traffic on the exit and entrance ramps to get past the closure. Westbound I-96 will be reduced to one lane to get access to the exit and entrance ramps. MDOT plans to have I-96 reopened by 10 a.m. Saturday, October 18, but hopes the bridge slide process will be completed earlier. Right turns onto M-50 will be allowed. Opening I-96 is a high priority.

11 p.m.

  • Crews will special equipment and training will begin sliding the 4.2-million-pound bridge 72 feet to its final location.

Saturday and Sunday

  • Construction of approaches on M-50 to the bridge.