Road work on Grand River Avenue in East Lansing has closed some lanes. Later this month, a stretch of the road will be closed entirely. (Lucas Day for ELi)

Roads Roundup: Expect Closures on Grand River, Harrison, Local Highways Throughout Summer

It’s orange cone season in Michigan and there are a few road construction projects happening in and around East Lansing that may impact motorists’ travel plans.

Two projects the City of East Lansing warns community members to bear in mind when considering travel time is a lane closure on Grand River Avenue that is causing congestion in the downtown area and an upcoming closure for Harrison Road near Glencairn Elementary School.

Grand River Avenue 

As the city embarks on a combined sewer overflow project to create more resilient infrastructure in flooding events, Communications Director for the City of East Lansing Carrie Sampson told East Lansing Info in a written statement residents should be aware of closures on Grand River Avenue this summer.

Since late May, eastbound traffic heading from downtown East Lansing towards Okemos between River Street and Woodmere Avenue on Grand River Avenue has experienced lane closures in order for the city to do preliminary replacement work ahead of robust work on the city’s sewage system, according to a news release from the city.

Starting Monday, June 15 the section of Grand River Avenue between Gunson Street and Woodmere Avenue will be completely closed for about six weeks, Sampson said.

North and southbound traffic will be redirected onto Hagadorn Road and Abbot Road, according to a city news release. East and westbound traffic will be redirected onto Saginaw Street and Haslett Road.

Starting June 15, a stretch of Grand River Avenue in East Lansing will be closed entirely. (Lucas Day for ELi)

The closures will allow for infrastructure projects that reduce the amount of combined sewer overflow that enters into a city retention treatment basin, increasing the city’s resilience against flooding and improving systems that permit water treatment, an information page on the city’s website says.

As part of this project, residents will benefit from new water mains, sidewalks and roads. Additionally, the the City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility administrative building will receive several enhancements including improvements to locker rooms to promote gender equality and upgrades to elevators for accessibility, according to the city’s information page on the project.

The project will likely mean traffic delays, an April notice to Michigan State University faculty and staff from MSUToday said.

“Employees who regularly travel through the area are encouraged to plan ahead by exploring alternate routes, building in extra time or adjusting schedules where possible. Even small shifts, such as leaving a bit later, could help ease the impact,” the notice from MSUToday reads.

Harrison Road

Sampson also cautions community members to anticipate a closure on Harrison Road between Grand River Avenue and Saginaw Street that may impact travel times.

While Consumers Energy updates gas lines, the portion of Harrison Road near Glencairn Elementary School will be fully closed starting Tuesday, June 9, according to a news release from the city. The closure should last 3 or 4 weeks depending on weather conditions.

U.S. 127 Project

Commuters heading to and from East Lansing on U.S. 127/I-496 have been experiencing longer travel times due to lane closures that started in late May.

North and southbound U.S. 127/I-496 will see lane closures between I-96 and Trowbridge Road for construction until Saturday, June 13, according to an information page on the city’s website. Additionally, U.S. 127 ramps to I-96 on Trowbridge Road and Dunckel Road will experience closures.

The Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT, is alerting motorists that there will be ongoing work on US-127 in Mid-Michigan, including Ingham County.

Construction, which will cause lane and ramp closures, will continue on US-127 from south of Lake Lansing Rd. north to I-69 until November, according to MDOT. Among the projects, MDOT will be installing sound walls, repairing pavement and bridges, and upgrading drainage and signs.

Road projects are planned in and around East Lansing throughout the summer. (Lucas Day for ELi)

Last month, as work was underway on US-127, a motorist struck and killed two MDOT workers, according to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.

A 24-year-old Dewitt man lost control of his vehicle at around 1 p.m. on May 26 on northbound US-127 near West Holt Road, colliding with two MDOT workers from Mason, Bruce Wagner, 51 and Steve Spenle, 49, according to news releases from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. The two MDOT workers died on the scene and the Dewitt motorist was transported to a local hospital and was in critical condition. The sheriff’s office believes speed was a factor in the collision.

The recent deaths have prompted the Ingham County Roads Department and several other transportation entities to put out statements beseeching motorists to be cautious in construction zones. 

“The tragic crash in Ingham County that claimed the lives of two MDOT workers is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers road crews face every day while working to keep our roads safe. These workers were someone’s family, friends, and coworkers, and they deserved to make it home safely,” the Ingham County Roads Department said in a social media post. “As you travel through construction and maintenance zones, please slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and follow all traffic control devices. Work zone speed limits and lane closures are there to protect both drivers and the men and women working just feet away from traffic. A few extra seconds of caution behind the wheel can save lives.”