Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge: Redefining Connectivity in Walker, Michigan

CLIENT: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), in partnership with the City of Walker

In west Michigan, a major infrastructure project was recently opened to the public. As part of the I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange reconstruction, the Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge Replacement Project is setting a new standard for modern, multimodal design.

Led by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in partnership with the City of Walker, this $30 million effort replaced a 1961-era bridge with an innovative structure built to serve both vehicles and people for generations to come.

Serving as the lead bridge designer under Fishbeck, Clark Dietz designed a replacement bridge that could meet today’s engineering standards while accommodating tomorrow’s mobility needs.

The result: a five-lane bridge that integrates safety, accessibility, and long-term resilience.

Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge before construction

Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge before. Photo by the City of Walker

A Modern Bridge for a Growing Community

The new bridge includes:

  • Three travel lanes for efficient vehicle movement

  • A dedicated sidewalk to improve pedestrian access

  • A 10-foot-wide nonmotorized path for bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians

But the most innovative feature lies in its structure. Instead of a single span, the bridge is composed of two parallel structures, one for each direction of travel. This design is a cost-effective solution that balances functionality with forward-thinking.

Reimagining the Interchange

The project goes beyond the bridge itself. The I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange is being completely reconstructed to improve traffic flow and safety. The redesign includes:

  • Realignment of on- and off-ramps for eastbound and westbound traffic

  • Extension of the center turn lane north past the railroad tracks to improve access

Expanding Access Through Nonmotorized Connectivity

Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge ribbon-cutting

Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge ribbon-cutting

The project’s vision extends to how people move beyond their vehicles. New nonmotorized paths are being constructed along both Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, linking to the Fred Meijer Standale Trail.

This connection creates a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting sustainable, multimodal travel throughout the City of Walker and neighboring communities.

By integrating these features, the project reflects a growing trend in infrastructure: designing not just for efficiency, but for inclusion and community connectivity.

Investing in Long-Term Infrastructure

Funded largely through a $25 million grant from the State of Michigan, the $30 million interchange reconstruction represents a major investment in west Michigan’s infrastructure resilience.

Collaboration in Action

The Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge project highlights what can be achieved through strong partnerships and thoughtful engineering.

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