Construction Alert #1: I-94 at 40th Street (Exit 88); Work Begins Next Monday, April 18th.

It's starting again...The season in Michigan that's not Winter, though this year, the line might be a little blurry. One of this year's big construction projects begins next Monday.

The Michigan Dept. of Transportation (MDOT) says it "will begin reconstructing the I-94 interchange at 40th Street in Charleston Township, between Galesburg and Battle Creek, in Kalamazoo County. Featuring longer entrance and exit ramps, improved intersections at 40th Street and Michigan Avenue, and better access to local businesses, the new interchange will reduce congestion and improve safety and traffic flow."

MDOT says it's "investing $12 million to rebuild a mile of I-94 and to redesign the interchange at Michigan Avenue and 40th Street. Construction includes drainage improvements; sanitary sewer upgrades; new culverts, signs, and guardrail; concrete curb and gutter; removal of the I-94 bridge over Michigan Avenue; and construction of a new 40th Street bridge over I-94.

"From Monday, April 18, through Friday, Sept. 16, the eastbound I-94 ramp to 40th Street and Michigan Avenue, as well as the 40th Street and Michigan Avenue ramp to westbound I-94, will be closed.

"There also will be ramp closures from Friday, April 29, through Thursday, July 21. During this time, the westbound I-94 ramp to 40th Street and Michigan Avenue will be closed, and the 40th Street and Michigan Avenue ramp to eastbound I-94 will be closed.

"All of the ramp closures will have posted detours at 35th Street (Exit 85) and I-94 Business Loop (Exit 92)."