IONIA COUNTY, Mich. — A crash on I-96 Friday evening exacerbated traffic delays in the construction zone between Bliss and Sunfield roads.
The accident occurred around 6:00 p.m., leading to the closure of the freeway for over an hour. Michigan State Police reported the incident involved a semi-truck that rear-ended a passenger vehicle, triggering a chain-reaction collision. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
This incident marks the 47th crash in the construction zone since work commenced on March 30, 2023. Although the number of accidents has decreased compared to previous years—73 in 2024 and 79 in 2025 during the same period—officials remain concerned about the potential for serious injuries and fatalities.
Authorities noted that while no fatalities occurred in early 2024, one fatality took place in both 2025 and 2026. Local residents have expressed frustration over the increased traffic in their communities as drivers seek alternate routes.
Michigan State Police emphasized the importance of driver attentiveness, particularly in work zones. Lt. Pat Agema urged motorists to remain patient, avoid distractions, and maintain a safe following distance when approaching traffic backups.
As construction continues, local business owner Tonya Goodrich highlighted the necessity for drivers to prioritize safety, urging them to “slow down.”
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.