Commutes Now Better That 2 West Michigan Bridges Reopened
Two bridges in West Michigan have reopened, improving commutes and safety for residents.
A bridge in Walker that had been closed since spring has reopened ahead of schedule, while another in Newaygo County opened just a few days behind schedule. Residents in both communities are celebrating as traffic returns to normal.
Good News For Drivers: Two West Michigan Bridges Reopen
Hardy Dam Repaving Complete
The Hardy Dam in Newaygo County closed on October 16, 2025, for repaving. I’ve lived in the area for seven years, and the road across the Hardy Dam has always been pretty rough, as you can see in the photo above.
During the summer months, the road on top of the Hardy Dam is used by boaters, campers, bicyclists, and the locals who use the bridge daily to cross. This is a key route, as it’s the only way to cross the nearly 4,000-acre Hardy Pond.
Locals and visitors to Hardy Dam needed an alternate way across. The road across the dam is closed for a week or so to get repaved.
Read More: Hardy Dam Road Closed For Repaving
The bridge was set to reopen on Friday, October 24, but due to several days of heavy rain, completion of the repaving project didn't occur until Sunday, October 26. It’s now the smoothest the bridge has been in decades.
Construction Complete for Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge
The Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge in Walker closed for construction on March 31, 2025. The bridge was part of a $30 million replacement project that wasn't supposed to reopen until November, but opened ahead of schedule on Monday, October 27.
According to FOX 17, the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge that crosses over I-96 has reopened with some major improvements. The new bridge features two lanes of traffic in each direction, a fifth lane for turning, and a separate path for pedestrians and bicyclists. These are all major improvements from the original bridge that was built in 1961.
👇BELOW: Five Abandoned Michigan Bridges👇
