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Westbound I-96 re-opens following delay

The Michigan department of transportation confirmed Thursday that westbound I-96 will stay closed due to a labor dispute.

UPDATE, Friday Sept. 14: Westbound I-96 re-opened after facing some delays due to labor disputes. The on ramp from Plainfield Avenue is still closed.


KENT COUNTY, Mich.- West Michigan drivers will have to wait even longer to get back on a busy highway.

The Michigan department of transportation confirmed Thursday that westbound I-96 will stay closed due to a labor dispute between contractors and the Operating Engineers Local 324.

Eastbound I-96 between Alpine and Plainfield Avenues reopened in July, but MDOT closed westbound I-96 lanes from Plainfield Avenue to Alpine Avenue in mid-June when the eastbound construction was completed.

The dispute between the union and the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation association (MITA), started in June when the union didn't renew their contract. MITA then locked out the union workers which impacted more than 150 road projects throughout the state. MITA offered a new contract to the union, which declined, calling the relationship toxic.

MDOT said in statement:

The project's contracts call for MDOT to grant extensions because of labor disputes, similar to provisions for acts of God. If that happens, the contractors could incur costs. We take delays very seriously and work very hard to alleviate congestion and inconvenience to drivers. So, of course, we hope the two sides reach an agreement soon.

Governor Rick Snyder also commented on the issue Thursday saying the two groups need to resolve this disagreement quickly before even more projects are delayed.

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