For those traveling to Western Michigan University - Grand Rapids downtown campus.

Beginning April 12, The Fix on I-196 will shut down that stretch of highway between Fuller and the Grand River, forcing commuters to exit the freeway.

MDOT strongly encourages drivers to take the suggested detours: I-96 and US-131, or US-131 and M-6.

What MDOT is doing:   
This project will consist of the reconstruction of the existing concrete pavement in both the eastbound and westbound directions and adding a concrete median barrier between the bounds.

Also included is the addition of a third through-lane and weave/merge lanes between the interchanges of Ottawa Avenue/Ionia Avenue, College Avenue and Fuller Avenue.
 
Along with the roadway work, five bridges will be completely replaced during this project.
(These are the Coit Avenue, Eastern Avenue, AND Diamond Avenue bridges over I-196 and the two bridges that carry I-196 over Lafayette Avenue.)
 
Other planned improvements include, but are not limited to: corridor safety geometric upgrades, corridor aesthetics (through partnering with the city of Grand Rapids and stakeholders/foundations), freeway lighting upgrades, drainage upgrades, freeway signing and pavement marking upgrades.