ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A look into the motoring future of Zeeland’s eastern gateway can be seen this afternoon.
From 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Howard Miller Community Center, officials of the Michigan Department of Transportation and other entities will be on hand to discuss the proposed renovation of the junction with M-121 Chicago Drive, Main Avenue and Business-196. The 7.6 million-dollar project is designed to relieve traffic congestion in the area, especially during morning and evening commutes. The junction had been redesigned more than a decade ago to address safety concerns, but times have changed, according to outgoing Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Executive Director Steve Bulthuis. “We’re having a lot of traffic operational difficulties in this location,” the Holland Township Superintendent-designate admitted, “and that’s a testiment to our employers and their growth, and their anticipated future growth. We need to do something about it because it’s not operating well now.”
M-DOT plans on beginning this project after the Independence Day holiday, with a scheduled completion by Thanksgiving.