GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — A heavily loaded semi-truck carrying 140,000 pounds of pea gravel and sand crashed into one of West Michigan’s busiest exit ramps Tuesday, forcing traffic detours and causing significant damage to I-196’s Exit 77B — a ramp that had only recently reopened after months of construction.

The crash occurred as the semi attempted to transition from westbound I-196 onto southbound US-131. According to Michigan State Police, the driver was traveling too fast for conditions, lost control, and became partially wedged beneath the ramp structure. The impact caused a large spill of gravel and sand that required hours of cleanup by emergency responders.

According to WWMT News, MDOT Communications Representative John Richard said the closure has a major regional impact: “Thousands and thousands of cars take this ramp every single day. This is a huge impact to all motorists in Grand Rapids.” Richard added that the ramp had just reopened on November 7 following one of MDOT’s largest maintenance projects of the year, calling the crash a “frustrating setback.”

The Michigan Department of Transportation is detouring drivers by directing them to exit at Lane Avenue, turn left to Lane Avenue, then left onto First Street to access East I-196, which reconnects with South US-131. Residents living near the detour route described heavy congestion and long lines of vehicles throughout the day.

MDOT crews are currently assessing what officials describe as significant structural damage to the ramp. Richard noted that winter conditions complicate repair efforts: “This just adds more expense, resources… we’ve wrapped up for the season. This is the last thing we need.”

Michigan State Police said the truck driver sustained minor injuries, and no other motorists were hurt. MDOT officials are hoping to reopen the ramp by January, though repairs are ongoing.

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