A 1959 bridge gives way to a $3.3 million state investment

More than 6,000 vehicles per day cross the M-46 bridge over Crockery Creek in eastern Muskegon County. That bridge was built in 1959, and the Michigan Department of Transportation says its time has come.

MDOT announced it is investing approximately $3.3 million to remove and replace the bridge between the villages of Cassovia and Ravenna. The project began on May 4, 2026, and is expected to conclude in late October 2026.

"It's time for a full replacement," said John Richard with MDOT. "This will continue to connect communities for, you know, another 70 to 100 years."

Detours reshape eastern Muskegon County travel

The closure means M-46, also known as Apple Avenue, is shut down over Crockery Creek. Traffic is being detoured onto Trent, Bailey, and Ravenna roads.

Richard acknowledged the disruption for residents and businesses in the area.

"It will be very impactful for the local folks, but we will maintain access to homes and businesses in the area best we can," Richard said.

Based on economic modeling, the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 28 jobs.

Part of a broader $1 billion state road push

The M-46 bridge replacement is one of many projects moving forward under a major increase in Michigan infrastructure funding. State officials say a funding agreement reached last year will inject at least $1 billion annually into road and bridge improvements starting this year.

MDOT expects to repair roughly 2,000 lane miles of state-owned roads and nearly 100 bridges during the 2026 construction season. Over Governor Gretchen Whitmer's tenure, that brings totals to about 26,500 lane miles and nearly 2,000 bridges repaired.

The increased investment stems from expanded transportation revenue sources, including taxes on fuel, marijuana, and corporate profits.

"Drivers, when you hit the road this spring and summer, we ask that you slow down and pay attention, there's Michiganders at work here," Whitmer said. "Construction season is officially open and we're going to continue to fix the damn roads in Michigan."

Muskegon County faces multiple work zones

Beyond the Crockery Creek bridge, Muskegon County residents are navigating several other active construction zones this summer:

  • M-46 (Apple Avenue) is also closed between Getty Street and Muskegon Avenue in the city of Muskegon, where more than 2 miles of the roadway are being rebuilt with upgrades to utilities and roadway safety features.
  • The US-31/I-96 interchange in Norton Shores has lane closures and ramp closures, including northbound US-31 Exit 110B to westbound I-96 and the eastbound Airline Road entrance ramp to southbound US-31.
  • White Lake Drive in Muskegon County has one lane open in each direction over US-31 via temporary traffic signals.

State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich urged patience from motorists.

"For everyone's safety, including motorists and road workers, we implore all drivers to be patient in work zones and follow all posted signs in those work zones. Safety is in your hands," Wieferich said.

The Crockery Creek bridge project aims to improve ride quality, increase safety, and extend the structure's service life for generations. Motorists in eastern Muskegon County should plan for detours through late fall.