Wait, Construction on I-475 Isn’t Happening This Summer?

While you’ll see orange barrels all summer long throughout Genesee County, I-475 is one spot you won’t have to stress about…for now.

Because let’s be honest…Michigan has been absolutely loaded with construction projects lately. Yeah, it needs to be done…but it’s still a little annoying.

Why Is I-475 Construction in Flint Being Delayed?

According to ABC 12, MDOT has officially pushed back the nearly $275 million rebuild of I-475 between Bristol Road in Burton and the Flint River. It was supposed to start this spring, but now it’s delayed until at least fall while engineers keep working on the design.

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The project will go out for bids later this year. Once a contractor is selected, they’ll help figure out the timeline and how traffic will be handled through construction.

There’s even a chance some early work could start this fall, but as of now, nothing is locked in.

What Changes Are Coming to I-475 in Flint and Burton?

This isn’t just a basic road project…this is a full-blown transformation of I-475.

The Second Street bridge will be turned into a pedestrian walkway connecting neighborhoods to downtown Flint. The 14th Street bridge is being removed completely because it doesn’t get much traffic.

Other bridges like Court Street, Kearsley Street, and Fifth Street will be reworked to create more space for pedestrians.

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There’s also a new path planned along the west side of the freeway, plus a pedestrian connection at Carman Street in Burton. Chavez Drive will be reduced to two lanes in each direction as part of the overhaul.

This summer, drivers are in the clear…but don’t get too comfortable, that massive construction project is still coming.