US-31 Bridge Overhaul Begins with Closures in Norton Shores

$7 million project to improve bridge over I-96 will cause lane, ramp, and overnight total closures through mid-November.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:36pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a car speeding on a highway overpass, with streaks of bright orange, yellow, and blue colors conveying a sense of high-speed motion and disruption.The $7 million bridge construction project on US-31 will create a chaotic traffic landscape with lane closures, ramp shutdowns, and overnight total shutdowns over the next several months.Norton Shores Today

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $7 million to replace the decks, expansion joints, and other components of the US-31 bridges over I-96 in Norton Shores, Michigan. The project will require lane closures on US-31, I-96, and the US-31 business route, as well as intermittent ramp closures and some overnight total closures to remove the bridge railing and deck sections.

Why it matters

The bridge work is necessary to improve the ride quality and extend the lifespan of this critical interchange, which connects US-31 to I-96. However, the closures will cause significant traffic disruptions in the area over the next several months.

The details

The construction project will include partial deck replacement, new expansion joints, substructure improvements, approach replacement, and new bridge railing. MDOT says the changes will ultimately improve the ride quality and lifespan of the bridges.

  • The $7 million construction project will begin on April 6, 2026.
  • The work is expected to continue through mid-November 2026.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state transportation agency responsible for overseeing the $7 million bridge improvement project on US-31 over I-96 in Norton Shores.

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What’s next

MDOT has advised drivers to check their MIDrive map for the most up-to-date information on lane, ramp, and total closures throughout the duration of the construction project.

The takeaway

This major bridge overhaul project will cause significant traffic disruptions in the Norton Shores area over the next several months, but the improvements to ride quality and bridge lifespan are necessary for the long-term health of this critical transportation corridor.