GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — The ramp from westbound Interstate 196 to southbound U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids has reopened after being closed since a semi-truck crash on December 2 that caused what the Michigan Department of Transportation described as very significant damage. MDOT also reported that the ramp from northbound U.S. 131 to eastbound Interstate 196 is open, improving post-holiday commutes.

MDOT said Saturday morning on social media that the ramps from westbound I-196 to southbound U.S. 131 and from northbound U.S. 131 to eastbound I-196 are open. MDOT noted the openings even though the MI Drive map still showed the ramps as closed.

The westbound I-196 ramp to southbound U.S. 131 had been shut down since the December 2 crash that snarled traffic for hours. The crash happened around 11:00 a.m. on southbound U.S. 131 at the I-196 interchange, according to Michigan State Police.

Police said a semi-truck hauling about 140,000 pounds of pea gravel and sand was traveling south in the center lanes of U.S. 131 when the front end began to veer left. Police said the driver tried to straighten the truck but drifted into the ramp coming from I-196 westbound. The truck flipped, hit a concrete wall, and became partially wedged under the ramp, police said. After the crash, the ramp onto southbound U.S. 131 from westbound I-196 was closed “indefinitely,” authorities said at the time.

MDOT spokesperson John Richard previously said the crash caused “very significant damage.” On Dec. 3, Richard said, “Best-case scenario, we’ll have the ramp back open by around the first of the year, and then we’ll come back with a … more permanent fix.”

MDOT said the ramps reopened as part of a temporary fix. MDOT estimates that a full fix will be in place by April.

MDOT said additional work remains as the agency moves from the temporary repair to a permanent solution, and roadway conditions will continue to be monitored as repairs progress.

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