The Michigan Department of Transportation’s multi-phase M-231 Bypass Project is designed to reduce traffic congestion and travel times while improving traffic flow and the movement of people and goods across the region.Phase I of M-231 linked M-104 and Interstate 96 with M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) and added a much-needed bridge over the Grand River. The span, the seventh-longest in Michigan, also features the Sgt. Henry E. Plant Memorial Trail, a separated non-motorized pathway named after the local Civil War hero and Medal of Honor recipient.
Phase II of the MDOT project would link Lake Michigan Drive to U.S.-31, Chicago Drive, and M-196. Figure A, at left, based off of initial MDOT modeling, shows a proposed path the state highway may take in the future.
2020 Parcel Purchase
In an effort to reduce tax-payer burden in the event MDOT decides to move forward with Phase II, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners acquired approximately 31 acres of vacant land along I-196 in Zeeland Charter Township to provide space for a future interchange. Figure B shows the purchased parcels and proposed location of this interchange. According to MDOT, this would be the ideal location for M-231 and I-196 to meet considering current development patterns.
Route Is Conceptual
At this time, all maps – including the ones shown on this page – of the potential route are based on conceptual modeling from MDOT. The maps do not reflect a final planned path for the route, but rather a rough estimate of the general direction of the route.
It is recommended all parties with land interests within the general area of the proposed route take the potential development of the highway into consideration.
MDOT has not informed Ottawa County of its intentions for the Phase II project, or of any potential timeline. Prior studies have identified several benefits to constructing Phase II, including improved traffic flow and redu
ced congestion in the greater Zeeland area. The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners, however, along with the Department of Strategic Impact, will always seek to serve the greater interest of the County and its residents.
In the event MDOT decides to move forward with the Phase II project, a great deal of additional planning and studies will need to be conducted, and numerous public meetings will be held to discuss the conceptual route options.
Contact Information
Residents, landowners and developers who have questions about plans for Phase II of M-231 are encouraged to contact MDOT here or call 517-241-2400.