Public meeting Aug. 25 in Grand Rapids to discuss 2027-2028 US-131 Flex Route project

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - In 2027-2028, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is building a flex route on US-131 from I-96 to Post Drive in Kent County. The project also includes replacing the bridge deck of northbound US-131 over West River Drive in Comstock Park. A public meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, Aug. 25, where MDOT staff will provide project details, including traffic maintenance and scheduling. The public is invited to stop by any time during the meeting to learn more about the project and provide comments.

Who:
Community stakeholders
City representatives
Local businesses
Interested residents
MDOT staff

When:
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
4 - 6 p.m.

Where:
MDOT Transportation Service Center
2660 Leonard St.
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Accessibility:
Attendees who require mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or [email protected], preferably at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage. Requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible.

Project information:

In 2027-2028, MDOT will build a flex route utilizing the existing shoulders on northbound and southbound US-131 from I-96 to Post Drive. A flex route uses a lane control system that includes signs, vehicle detectors and electronic message boards to let drivers know when the flex route is available for use during peak travel periods like morning and afternoon rush hours. Improvements include:

• Shoulder widening and improvements on northbound and southbound US-131
• Bridge improvements and widening
• Emergency pull-off sites on US-131
• Incident management
• Flex route construction is being coordinated with major bridge improvements in the area, including US-131 over West River Drive and over 6 Mile Road.