Major I-475 Closures Begin December 11 In Genesee County For Infrastructure Upgrades

MDOT ramps up efforts to improve freeway lighting and launch a $141 million reconstruction project on I-475, detouring traffic through Flint.

Lighting Improvements Delay I-475 Closures to I-69

DAVISON – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that due to recent snowfall, closures for the I-475 ramps to eastbound I-69, originally scheduled for November, have been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The $60,000 project involves upgrading freeway lighting and repairing guardrails to enhance driver safety.

The southbound and northbound I-475 ramps leading to eastbound I-69 will be closed. Drivers will be detoured westbound on I-69 to Exit six at Hammerberg Road, then redirected back to eastbound I-69.

Key details of the ramp closures:

• Location: Southbound and northbound I-475 exit ramps to eastbound I-69.
• Start Time: 8 a.m., Dec. 11.
• End Time: 4:30 p.m., Dec. 11.
• Detour: Ramp traffic will be directed westbound on I-69 to Hammerberg Road Exit 135, then back to eastbound I-69.

This work, prompted by crash-related damage, includes installing new light poles and restoring infrastructure. Motorists are advised to plan for potential delays.

$141 Million I-475 Reconstruction Begins the Same Day

Also starting on December 11, MDOT will commence the next phase of its $141 million Rebuilding Michigan project to overhaul 3.1 miles of I-475 from the Flint River to Carpenter Road in Flint. The project includes:

• Rebuilding the roadway.
• Constructing a new bridge over the Flint River.
• Enhancing structures along the corridor.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program funds the effort, prioritizing durable repairs to the state’s critical highways and bridges. MDOT anticipates the project will support 1,706 jobs through direct and indirect employment.

Traffic Impacts: Lane Closures and Detours

Starting 7 a.m., December 11, southbound I-475 will close to accommodate the reconstruction, with traffic detoured via I-69 and I-75. Northbound I-475, currently closed, will reopen with a single lane on December 14 for the duration of the project.

MDOT plans to reopen southbound I-475 by September 2025. This timeline ensures a thorough rebuild, improving safety and mobility for Genesee County residents and travelers.

Flint Area Drivers Advised to Plan Ahead

Drivers are urged to prepare for extended detours and potential delays throughout the construction period. MDOT emphasizes the importance of adhering to posted detours for safety and efficiency during the project.

“By focusing on comprehensive, long-lasting fixes, the Rebuilding Michigan initiative is addressing decades-old infrastructure challenges,” said an MDOT representative. “The I-475 reconstruction will improve safety and reliability for thousands of daily commuters.”

Project Aims for Long-Term Safety and Mobility Gains

The work reflects MDOT’s commitment to enhancing the I-475 corridor, an essential route for Flint and surrounding areas. Improved lighting, rebuilt roadways, and safer bridges aim to create a lasting impact on the region’s transportation network.

For updates and detour maps, residents can visit MDOT’s Rebuilding Michigan website.

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