New I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange and pedestrian paths now open in Walker

Fast facts:

• The new I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange and pedestrian paths opened to traffic today.
• The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant (Public Act 1 of 2023) to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in west Michigan.
• This $30 million investment replaced the original bridge and interchange from 1961. The new bridge was widened from two lanes to five and includes pedestrian paths on both sides.

WALKER, Mich. - After years of determination and collaboration between the community and state government, the newly rebuilt I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange and pedestrian paths in the city of Walker are now open.

"Projects like this don't happen overnight," said City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey. "They take vision, persistence, partnership and a shared belief that our infrastructure is worth investing in."

Last Friday, a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge to celebrate the nearing completion of this project while painting and final touches were being made. The Kenowa Hills High School Marching Band tooted their horns to acknowledge the improvements and revel in the return of regular bus routes. In partnership with the City of Walker, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invested approximately $30 million to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. The project replaced the original 1961 Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 and rebuilt the interchange to include new nonmotorized paths along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides.

The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant (Public Act 1 of 2023) to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in west Michigan.

"Within a 2-mile radius of this bridge there are over 15,000 jobs," said State Sen. Mark Huizenga, 30th District. "New companies come here to work and they rely on infrastructure for better productivity and better quality of life."

This project filled a gap to provide a continuous trail system connecting the Grand Rapids metropolitan region 100 miles to the north to Cadillac, and 40 miles to the west to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

"This was the missing piece. This is a key intersection to unlock hundreds of miles of trails," said State Rep. Carol Glanville, 84th District. "Pedestrians now have safer access to the White Pine Trail, the Pioneer Trail and the Standale Trail."