Construction of Flint’s I-475 progresses ahead of schedule

FLINT, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is moving into the second phase of its multi-year reconstruction of the I-475 corridor ahead of schedule, marking significant progress on the $411 million project.

The eight-mile stretch of I-475 from Bristol Road to Carpenter Road is divided into three sections: the north Section (Flint River to Carpenter Road) and the middle and south sections (Flint River to Bristol Road).

Crews are wrapping up the final phase of the North Section, which includes both northbound and southbound lanes, service drives and the Flint River bridge.

“[We’re in] phase two of that North project, I would say,” said Trevor Vincke, project and contracts engineer at the Davison Transportation Service Center (TSC). “The North project, from Carpenter Road to the Flint River, is currently under construction. Last year we constructed northbound, and this year we’re currently constructing southbound.”

The southbound stretch of I-475 from Carpenter Road to Broadway Boulevard is expected to reopen by Sept. 10, 2025, with the goal of finishing by November 2025.

Once the North Section is completed, work will shift to the Middle and South sections, with northbound reconstruction scheduled for 2026 and southbound for 2027.

Motorists should be aware of closures, particularly the continued closure of southbound I-475 at Carpenter Road. Local detours are in place due to bridge work, and MDOT encourages drivers to follow posted signs or consult the Mi Drive interactive map for real-time updates on closures and alternate routes.

MDOT is resizing the freeway from three lanes to two lanes in each direction to match current traffic volumes while preserving space for potential future expansion.

To mitigate flooding, MDOT is upgrading pump stations along the corridor and installing backup generators to keep roadways clear during power outages.

Pedestrian-friendly features are being added to improve connectivity, including converting the Second Street Bridge into a pedestrian-only crossing to better link east-side communities with Downtown Flint.

Other improvements include shared-use paths along the service drive on Chavez and relocating the Linsey Boulevard pedestrian bridge near Oakley Street in Burton due to elevation changes.

The Rebuilding Michigan Program funds $300 million of the $411-million project, with the Bay Region contributing $111 million. MDOT is also seeking Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants for pedestrian improvements.

Residents can sign up for email updates at michigan.gov/mdot by scrolling to the bottom and selecting “Connect with MDOT.” Updates are also available on MDOT’s Bay Region Twitter account and the Michigan Department of Transportation Facebook page.