June 2009 Archives

Pre-holiday week: dropping traffic volumes, but some new glitches

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 29, 2009 6:03 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Proceeding headlong into a holiday weekend, I think a lot of people will be either getting Friday off from work or taking a vacation day to stretch the weekend, and with traffic volumes already lessened by the economy (sadly, fewer people driving to work), college students sleeping in rather than attend summer classes, and vacations, this week should be uneventful.

Always a good thing for commuters.

Plus, MDOT will be suspending work on about 65% of all road construction in the state over the next weekend.

Here's what's up this week:



I-196 at 32ND AVE: Westbound will be reduced to one lane until 2 p.m. Wednesday (7/1). Expect backups, which on this stretch usually occur after 7:30 a.m. and in the afternoon.

I-196 at COLLEGE AVE: The right lane WESTBOUND will be closed Monday (6/29) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The left lane will be closed WESTBOUND on Tuesday (6/30) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This scenario has caused traffic to back up to FULLER AVE.


US-131 logo 75x60.jpgUS-131 at 44TH ST: SOUTHBOUND US-131 will be closed at 44TH ST overnight on Wednesday (7/1) and again Monday (7/6) from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for critical work on the 44TH ST bridge. Traffic will be detoured off US-131 at 36TH ST to DIVISION AVE, then south to 54TH ST to return to US-131.

Since it doesn't make much sense to have a lot of traffic coming on board from 28th Street only to be forced off at the next exit, MDOT will close the ramp from EASTBOUND 28TH ST to SOUTHBOUND US-131 during that time both nights.

The same will be true for the ramp from 36TH ST to SOUTHBOUND US-131.

In both cases, use DIVISION AVE south to 54TH ST to return to US-131.


M-89 75x75.jpgM-89 from PLAINWELL to ALLEGAN: Road crews will begin chip-and-seal work today (6/29) and will continue until about August 14. This means that flag crews will control flow at the work site, which will move between US-131 and M-40.

Love driving over fresh chip-and-seal.


US-31-logo-75x75.jpgUS-31: Watch for lane closures at US-31 at STANTON ST (south of Lake Michigan Drive) for upgrades to the intersection. This work will continue until August 20.


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Watch for construction changes this weekend

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 26, 2009 4:53 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I-96 logo small.jpg

I-96: The EASTBOUND lanes of I-96 from ALPINE AVE to past W RIVER DR will be reduced to one lane overnight from Friday (6/26) 8 p.m. to Saturday 6 a.m.



US-131 logo 75x60.jpgUS-131: The ramp from NORTHBOUND US-131 to WESTBOUND I-96 will be reduced to one lane all weekend, beginning Friday (6/26) at 9 p.m. Crews continue to work on the bridge over the southbound lanes of US-131.



M-104 100x100.jpg

M-104: Expect a longer trip to and from Spring Lake/Grand Haven. Lane closures will be popping up today (6/26) until 4 p.m.






I-94 logo 75x75.jpg
I-94: Watch for slowdowns and backups all weekend in both directions on I-94 between Battle Creek and I-69, Mile Marker 104 to Mile Marker 110 due to lane reductions.



Construction notes for Thursday (6/25)

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 25, 2009 4:35 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
The best laid plans of mice and highway engineers ...



I-196: The lane closure on WESTBOUND I-196 at BYRON RD/ZEELAND EXIT will remain for one more day, through today. Crews have to finish up some joint work on the bridge.

Workday lane closures will continue today and tomorrow for EASTBOUND I-196 at COLLEGE AVE. That means backups on Hospital Hill every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


M-6 100x100.jpg
M-6: Watch for lane closures overnight tonight on the exit ramp from EASTBOUND M-6 to M-37/BROADMOOR AVE. More pavement resurfacing.

And the entrance ramp from SOUTHBOUND M-37/BROADMOOR AVE to EASTBOUND M-6 will be closed overnight tonight for repaving. You will have to continue south on M-37, use a Michigan turnaround use the entrance ramp from NORTHBOUND M-37.


M-104 100x100.jpg

M-104: Your trip to and from the beaches around Grand Haven might be slow on M-104 between 140TH AVE and 144TH AVE. Expect intermittant lane closures today both eastbound and westbound.






Overnight work means lane closures on I-96 and US-131

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 23, 2009 11:46 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
The bridge work on I-96 at the US-131 Interchange will affect traffic again, but mainly at night.



I-96 logo small.jpgI-96: The highway will be reduced to one lane in both directions between W RIVER DR and the COIT AVE bridge overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Friday (6/26).





US-131 logo 75x60.jpgUS-131: The normal two lanes will be reduced to one overnights NORTHBOUND under the I-96 bridges from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.





Today's Video: Hogs on the run

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 23, 2009 8:06 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I don't know why I got grief in the studio for this one.

The video will simply show how a semi overturned in the median on an Arkansas highway, spilling some of its load of jumbo sized hogs. Officers had to use ATVs to round them up.

The grief came when, on the air, I made the connection between hogs on the hoof and barbecue.

"Aw, Robb!"

What?


Holland streets closed due to storm damage

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 23, 2009 4:54 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Storms over the weekend washed out a couple of streets in Holland.

24th Street closed between Lincoln Avenue and Apple Avenue.
24th Street closed between Waverly Avenue and Country Club Avenue.
Lincoln Avenue closed between 16th Street and 24th Street.
32nd Avenue closed between Old Orchard Road and 160th Avenue.

All these roads are washouts, but Jody Syens of the Holland Street Department was hopeful that 24th Street between Waverly Avenue and Country Club Avenue would be opened quickest.

06-22-09 Holland 24th St Road Closed.jpg

Barrel monster doesn't last, but his memory will go on forev--oh, whatever.

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 22, 2009 9:04 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
In Raleigh, NC, a college student got himself into trouble for stealing orange road construction barrels and fashioning them into a hitch-hiking barrel monster.

Props to Joseph Carnevale for his creativity. Bucks to his lawyer to keep him out of the slammer for larceny and destruction of property. It seems local governments frown on having their things stolen and cut up, no matter how amusing the results. Authorities dismantled the creature shortly after they were alerted to it.

This is not Carnevale's first theft, it seems. An Associated Press video report shows a construction barrel alligator he made before the hitchhiker.

His case goes to court in July, but groups have popped up on Facebook and elsewhere to demonstrate support.

Barrel monster 06-22-09.jpg
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This week's changes: I-96 lanes and ramps are open at US-131

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 22, 2009 7:52 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I-96 logo 100x100.jpg
I-96: The headaches at the US-131 interchange are gone.

All lanes are open, and all ramps are open.

There were 11 bridges in the plan for rehab, and now 10 are done. The last one is the ramp that carries traffic from NORTHBOUND US-131 to I-96. (Technically, it is part of "I-296," but no signage exists to identify the highway as such.)

Traffic on the ramp will be shifted, but MDOT notices do not mention lane or ramp closures.




Battle Creek: Closed railroad crossings at Capital Avenue and Forest Street were supposed to be gone by this morning, but the closures have been extended until the end of this week (6/26).



US-131 logo 100x80.jpgUS-131: Work on the new cable guardrails along the median on US-131 in southern Kent Count continues. Left lane will be closed northbound and southbound between 76th STREET and 84TH STREET through early Thursday morning (6/25). The barrels will be pulled back for two lanes of traffic during rush hours mornings and afternoons.


US-131: In Kalamazoo County, the freeway will be reduced to one lane for bridge painting at MICHIGAN AVE between Mile Markers 36 and 38 through July 2. The entrance ramp from westbound STADIUM DR to northbound US-131 will be closed (go north on Drake Rd to West Main instead).


I-196: The left lane WESTBOUND is closed until 2 p.m. Wednesday (6/24) for bridge repairs. Expect slowdowns and backups.


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Lane and ramp closures on I-96 stay for the weekend

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 19, 2009 7:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Here's what's going on for the weekend:

First, let's talk about B-93 Birthday Bash.

The big party takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Ionia County Free Fair grounds, and while normally you would take M-66 into Ionia from I-96, organizers recommend getting off I-96 early, at the Lake Odessa Exit 64, head north on Jordan Lake Road and follow the signs.

More details.





I-96 logo 100x100.jpgI-96 at US-131: All lane closures and ramp closures remain in place until early Monday morning.

The original schedule had barrels pulled back by now.






Gift ideas for Dads who drive

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 18, 2009 10:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I can't take credit for this one.

Our fellow Tribune pals who write the Up To Speed blog at the Los Angeles Times did the heavy lifting on this list:

Dale Earnhart, Jr, GPS Unit

A Super Bumper that attaches to your hitch and protects your bumper from -- bumps.
A Battery Tender for that vehicle (or boat or whatever) that isn't used a lot.

A LiquiVac that helps change the oil in small engines with minimal mess. A Michigan company.

The FlashLighter, which provides light whenever you need it in the car.

Ties from a web site that sells nothing but ties.

Go to the original article.

Road Construction for Thursday (6/18)

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 18, 2009 6:34 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)


M-6 100x100.jpg
M-6: MDOT says the resurfacing project between EAST PARIS AVE and I-96 will require lane closures overnight tonight from 6 p.m. to Friday morning 6 a.m. Watch for them in both directions.





ALDEN NASH AVE: Closed from 2 MILE RD to LALLY ST until July 6 for repairs.



Traffic changes for Wednesday (6/17)

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 17, 2009 5:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
US-131 logo 100x80.jpg
US-131 at 44TH ST: Northbound will be reduced to one lane tonight. The left two lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be slow traffic, but nighttime traffic volume could keep backups to a minimum.





I-196 at COLLEGE AVE: Westbound is scheduled to be reduced to one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., which would produce backups, most likely to DIAMOND AVE. But the rain may delay the lane closure.




Michigan headed for shaggy highways

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 15, 2009 1:29 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
If you considered Michigan a fairly well-groomed state, hang on to your hat, it's going to get hairy.

This item moved today on the Associated Press wire:

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Department of Transportation is making fewer trips to  roadways in the state to mow the slopes, trim trees and pare bushes as part of a cost-cutting effort.
      The Detroit News reports Monday that MDOT hopes to save up to $30 million this year in labor and fuel costs by mowing and trimming less often.
      MDOT spokesman Bill Shreck says the agency will continue to concentrate on safety when deciding where to mow and trim. MDOT wants to maintain good sight distances rather than mow or trim for cosmetic reasons.
      Plans call for cutting once or twice a summer rather than three or more times in previous years.

After reading this story, my first thought was, "Wow, it costs a lot of money to mow this state."

Then I thought that maybe I should offer to do it for less money, but I rejected that as being impractical. My present mower (an electric) doesn't have nearly the cord I would need.

Then I thought, "All that mowing was cosmetic? Did it help our state's image? If so, could it be considered money spent to promote tourism instead of merely for grooming?"

I should stop thinking about this. It brings up too many questions.

I-96 Traffic backup WB 500x.jpg(A recent backup on I-96 back in the day when we were a better groomed state.)

Construction changes in store this week (6/15-6/19)

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 15, 2009 5:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I anticipate some changes this week, especially on I-96 at the US-131 interchange. Here is what MDOT says will happen this week:


I-96 logo 100x100.jpgI-96 EASTBOUND: The lane closure at US-131 shifts a bit this week and remains until 6 a.m. Friday (6/19). The lane closure will come earlier, at the ALPINE AVE exit to past the Grand River.

I-96 WESTBOUND: The lane closure will remain from close to the Grand River to past the W RIVER DR bridge until Friday 6 a.m. (6/19).

RAMP CLOSED:  SOUTHBOUND US-131 to WESTBOUND I-96 until the end of the week.
Detour: Continue south to ANN ST, exit to TURNER AVE, south to ANN ST, east under US-131 to the ramp to NB US-131, cross two lanes of traffic to get to the exit to I-96.

RAMP CLOSED: SOUTHBOUND US-131 TO EASTBOUND I-96 until the end of the week.
Detour: Continue south to ANN ST, exit to TURNER AVE, south to ANN ST, east under US-131 to the ramp to NB US-131, cross two lanes of traffic to get to the exit to I-96.




EASTBOUND I-196: Scheduled to be reduced to one lane at COLLEGE AVE Monday (6/15) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WESTBOUND I-196: Scheduled to be reduced to one lane at C0LLEGE AVE Tuesday and Wednesday (6/16-6/17) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.


US-131 logo 100x80.jpg
US-131, Kent County: Reduced to one lane SOUTHBOUND from 84TH ST to 100TH ST for guardrail installation from Monday night (6/15) to Wednesday morning. Two lanes will be open during morning and afternoon rush hours.

US-131, Kent County: Reduced to one lane NORTHBOUND from 100TH ST to 84TH ST for guardrail installation from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. Two lanes will be open during morning and afternoon rush hours.

US-131, Kalamazoo County: Lane closures at CENTRE AVE for pavement repairs from now through June 25 from Mile Markers 30 to 32 in Kalamazoo County.




NORTHEAST KENT COUNTY: LINCOLN LAKE AVE will be closed from 16 MILE to 17 MILE all week for repairs.




East Beltline: Don't let the barrels worry you

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 12, 2009 10:21 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
M-44.jpg
You are going to see barrels and work crews on the EAST BELTLINE SOUTHBOUND between KNAPP ST and LEONARD ST beginning Monday, June 15.

When such things occur on major arteries, I get calls and emails asking about it.

In this case, don't worry.

This water main project will not affect driving lanes, according to the City of Grand Rapids. Crews will be working on the shoulder, but there should be no lane closures.

The only time traffic should be affected is in August, when southbound Beltline traffic will not be permitted to turn onto westbound Leonard St.

This, of course, is always subject to change, but as of now, the project is laid out to avoid lane closures.


Weekend Update (6/12-6/14): Construction Surprises

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 12, 2009 5:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Here's a review of what's new for the weekend:

LANE CLOSURE: EASTBOUND I-196 will have the left lane closed at COLLEGE AVE on Saturday (6/13) 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Monday (6/15) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect backups going up Hospital Hill.





M-6 100x100.jpg
Friday (6/12) only: Resurfacing on M-6 EASTBOUND from EAST PARIS AVE to M-37/BROADMOOR AVE 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will cause lane reductions, most likely the left lane.





I-96 logo small.jpgThe lane closures and ramp closures at US-131 will continue through the weekend. The RIGHT lane is closed in both directions on I-96, and the open lanes are a bit of a squeeze, so expect slowdowns and backups, especially during the middle of the day on Saturday and Sunday.

CLOSED:  Ramp from SOUTHBOUND US-131 to EASTBOUND I-96. Ramp from EASTBOUND I-96 to NORTHBOUND US-131. Ramp from WESTBOUND I-96 to SOUTHBOUND US-131.



US-131 logo 100x80.jpgLANE CLOSURES: Friday night and all day Saturday, the LEFT LANE will be closed on US-131 in both directions between 84TH ST and 100TH ST.




M-57.jpg
OVERNIGHT ROAD WORK: M-57 will have flag crews out overnight this weekend between US-131 to the Kent/Montcalm County Line for pavement repairs.







Featured video: Gas station crash

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 11, 2009 9:29 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
This happened at a gas station near Detroit.

A truck went out of control, took out a gas pump and slammed into another car before stopping.

The flash of fire was fortunate; it could have been a lot worse.



Surprise! Wake up to ramp closures

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 10, 2009 9:24 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I-96 logo 100x100.jpg
Not only has the left lane closure shifted to the right lane, but ramps at the I-96/US-131 Interchange are closed.

LANE CLOSURE: Both EASTBOUND and WESTBOUND I-96, the right lane is now closed, so get in the left lane as you approach the interchange.

RAMP CLOSURE: The ramp from EASTBOUND I-96 to NORTHBOUND US-131 is closed until at least June 15. Detour: Take US-131 south to the ANN ST exit, which dumps you onto TURNER AVE. Take TURNER AVE left (south) to ANN ST, then left (east) on ANN ST to the entrance ramp to US-131 NORTHBOUND.

RAMP CLOSURE: The ramp from WESTBOUND I-96 to SOUTHBOUND US-131 is closed until June 15. Detour: Continue west on I-96, exit at the second ALPINE AVE exit (southbound Alpine Avenue), stay in the right lane as you cross over I-96, use the entrance ramp to SOUTHBOUND US-131.

RAMP CLOSURE: The ramp from SOUTHBOUND US-131 to EASTBOUND I-96 is closed until June 15. Detour: Continue south on US-131 south to the ANN ST exit, which dumps you onto TURNER AVE. Take TURNER AVE left (south) to ANN ST, then left (east) on ANN ST to the entrance ramp to US-131 NORTHBOUND, cross traffic to get into the left lane to exit to I-96; in the curving ramp, take the exit to EASTBOUND I-96 on the right.

Got it?


Cash for Clunkers bill moves ahead

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 9, 2009 10:45 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I like the Cash for Clunkers idea: turn in your old, polluting, gas-guzzling vehicle and the government helps pay for a new vehicle. It would help clean the air, cut our oil consumption, and help the American car companies sell their inventory, which car critics agree are better vehicles than their image attests.

Here's the latest from Associated Press:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumers could receive rebates of up to $4,500 for turning in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient vehicles under a House proposal.

President Barack Obama has urged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's efforts to reorganize General Motors and Chrysler through the bankruptcy courts.

The House proposal set for a floor vote today. It is aimed at stimulating car sales during a bleak period for the auto industry while increasing the nation's fleet of cars that get more miles to the gallon.

GM and Chrysler have received billions of dollars in government aid, but the entire auto  industry has watched car sales plummet during the past year.

What is not clear to me yet is whether you would get Cash for Clunker money if you buy a vehicle from a foreign manufacturer, even if the car was made in the USA. (I own a Honda Civic that was built in Ohio; to me, I paid American workers and a lot of American parts suppliers to build a Japanese designed car, which is fine with me, even if the bottom line profits go to a Japanese company. The Chrysler minivan I own? Made in Canada.)

 

Vanity Shots is back on FOX 17 Morning News

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 8, 2009 10:58 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
We have not been able to bring you Vanity Shots on FOX 17 Morning News since April, for technical reasons related to our transition to HD (not the transition on the air but the transformation of our entire infrastructure: cameras, consoles, the works).

But Vanity Shots is back.

I have a camera wherever I go (in addition to the camera in the cell phone), and I take a shot of every vanity plate I can. Sometimes, it requires just walking up behind a parked car and taking a picture. Sometimes, it requires holding my steering wheel in one hand while holding the camera in the other hand. Since I believe people should not drive and talk on the phone at the same time, I am violating my own rules.

If you get a shot of a vanity plate (I prefer Michigan license plates), send it to us!




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More new lane closures this week (6/8)

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 8, 2009 5:16 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
There are a number of new lane closures to watch for this week, but with the rainy start on Monday, I don't expect some of these projects to actually happen until pavement dries out.



US-131 logo 100x80.jpg

Anyone who drove on US-131 over the weekend knows that crews have installed concrete barriers in the left lane at 44TH ST as part of the bridge replacement project. (I was afraid the backups would make me late for the Doo-Dah Parade in Kalamazoo, but I lucked out. Fun parade, great crowd!)

NORTHBOUND US-131, the left lane is scheduled to be closed between the Kent/Allegan County line to 100TH ST Monday through Wednesday (6/8-6/10) during all hours except morning and afternoon rushes.




M-11 Logo 100x100.jpgWESTBOUND 28TH ST is scheduled to have the right lane closed east of PATTERSON AVE during workday hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for some utility repairs Monday through Friday (6/8-6/12).







The left lane of EASTBOUND I-196 at COLLEGE AVE is planned to be closed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday (6/8-6/9).

The left lane of WESTBOUND I-196 at COLLEGE AVE is scheduled to be closed on Wednesday (6/10) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.



M-6 100x100.jpgThrough June 22, there will be overnight lane closures on M-6 between EAST PARIS AVE and I-96 for resurfacing.


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Weekend traffic stuff

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 5, 2009 9:10 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, Downtown Grand Rapids: The usual downtown streets are closed Friday through Sunday (IONIA AVE, OTTAWA AVE, LYON ST). This city parking map (PDF) will show you ramp and lot locations. DASH bus runs each hour on Saturday 8:15 am. to 5:15 p.m. from the lots west of US-131. Remember: BRIDGE ST is closed over the Grand River.



I-94 logo 100x100.jpg
I-94 BATTLE CREEK: Lane closures for pavement repairs from around EXIT 104 to past EXIT 110 in Marshall from Friday 6/5 through Sunday 6/7.







Watch for slowdowns on US-131 overnight Friday, Saturday

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 4, 2009 12:48 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
US-131 logo.jpeg
A lane closure midday Friday and overnight to Saturday morning will slow you down on US-131.

MDOT reported Thursday that the left lane of NORTHBOUND US-131 between the Kent/Allegan County line and 100TH ST will be closed overnight Thursday night 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., again Friday 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., and overnight Friday to Saturday, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

On SOUTHBOUND US-131, the left lane will be closed from 100TH ST to the county line during the same periods.


Important ramp from I-96 to US-131 to close for a day

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 4, 2009 11:25 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
The ramp from I-96 EASTBOUND to US-131 NORTHBOUND will be closed from tonight until tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, 9 p.m., to Friday, 3 p.m.), according to MDOT.

This is part of the bridge repair project that is causing headaches for so many drivers using I-96 around the Grand River and US-131. Traffic is constantly backed up eastbound during daylight hours and westbound all afternoon and evening.

The ramp closure means you need to take US-131 southbound to ANN ST, take the exit, which will dump you onto TURNER AVE, turn south to ANN ST, east on ANN ST to the entrance ramp to NORTHBOUND US-131.


I-96 Traffic backup WB 500x.jpg(Traffic backs up on I-96 westbound between Plainfield Avenue and US-131.)

Sharing the road: GR Press writer rides moped and writes about it

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 4, 2009 10:02 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I have always believed that just because my vehicle has a steering wheel, it doesn't give me any more right to city streets than people with handle bars.
Moped rider.jpg
But there are more and more scooters and mopeds on West Michigan streets, and I have always considered people on those things to be unpredictable. I don't see them signaling their intentions, and many times (unlike bicyclists, who stay to the right when possible, and no, bicycles do NOT belong on sidewalks) they ride kinda-sorta in the traffic lane.

Troy Reimink of the Grand Rapids Press rides his moped to work, and in a posting he relates the two-wheeler experience in the city. He readily admits there are riders who not only break the rules of the road but the laws of the road, but he makes the defensible point that people holding onto handlebars have as much of a right to ride Michigan's roughshod roads as people holding steering wheels.

Semi on fire in St. Louis

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 3, 2009 10:15 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
We shared this on FOX 17 Morning News today, and the video comes from our sister station FOX 2 in St. Louis.

A lot of baseball fans were late for the Cardinals game Tuesday night after this truck caught fire. The blaze started in the cab (nobody says how) and spread to the truck's load of cardboard.

It's a pretty impressive fire, and I-70 was backed up for miles.



A West Michigan man gets another version of the car of his heart.

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 2, 2009 7:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
FOX 17's Mike Avery talked to Dave Durst and took lots of loving video shots of Dave's AMC Rebel, a version of the car that captured his heart back in the 1970's.

Dave is the current owner of the old van featured in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite," but this video is all about his big, mean, AMC machine:


Closures multiplying like rabbits...

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 2, 2009 4:38 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Add a couple of closures to Monday's list:

28TH STREET:  Today only, intermittent lane closures EASTBOUND between DIVISION AVE and EASTERN AVE. Expect very sluggish traffic.



COLLEGE AVENUE: The bridge will be closed over I-196 at night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday nights through this Friday morning (6/5) as part of the bridge replacement project. The ramp from College Avenue to EASTBOUND I-196 will be open, and the westbound exit from from I-196 will be open, but traffic will not have access to College Avenue in any direction. But the ramp can be used to continue west to LAFAYETTE AVE.


US-131 logo 100x80.jpgUS-131: Expect only one lane SOUTHBOUND between 22 MILE and 17 MILE daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this week through Friday (6/5) for patch crews.

Summer reality TV driving show to be filmed in Michigan

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 1, 2009 11:06 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Buried in a Hollywood Reporter story about a new reality TV show is the news that the show will be done in Michigan.

The show (sadly, it will be on ABC and not on FOX), called "Crash Course," will pit teams of two up to challenges such as driving on two wheels and navigating in terrible weather. Dangerous oddball teamwork exercises will be a featured, such as giving the driver control over steering and speed but giving the passenger control of the brake.

Driving on two wheels.jpg
(Kids, don't try this at home.)

Michigan locations are being scouted as we speak, and the network plans to air seven episodes, with one team eliminated each week. What kind of locations? Haven't a clue, though I understand there are a couple of big car companies in Michigan who may be looking for some new revenue streams, like maybe, renting out their proving grounds?



New lane closures to watch for this week.

By
Robb Westaby, Fox 17 Traffic
on June 1, 2009 5:48 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Aside from the lane reductions on I-96 on the bridges at US-131, which will last until June 15, watch for new lane reductions on I-196 for a couple of days this week.

I-196 EASTBOUND and WESTBOUND between FULLER AVE and LAFAYETTE AVE: The left lane was scheduled be closed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today (Mon 6/1) only. That road work was canceled due to the weather. Watch for it to pop up some other day.

EASTBOUND I-196 over BUTTERWORTH ST: Left lane closed 9am-3pm daily Monday-Wednesday this week (6/1-6/3). Previous lane reductions in this area produced slowdowns and occasional short backups.

WESTBOUND I-196 over 64TH AVE in Ottawa County: Right lane closed from Monday 8 a.m. to Thursday 2 p.m. Expect backups, especially in the afternoon.



US-131 logo 100x80.jpg
Watch for overnight lane closures on NORTHBOUND US-131 between 17 MILE and 22 MILE from Tuesday night through early Friday morning (6/2-6/5).

Also overnight lane closures on SOUTHBOUND US-131 between 76TH ST and the Kent/Allegan County line through Thursday morning (6/4).




All of these lane reductions depend on the weather, and with the day starting with light rain, they may not be in place until later in the day or later in the week.

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