One year ahead of schedule, one of Michigan's largest transportation projects is complete.

The new $650 million M-6 (Paul B. Henry Freeway) in southern Kent and Ottawa counties was opened to traffic by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) on Nov. 17. The new east-west limited access freeway links Interstates 96 and 196 just south of Grand Rapids.

"This project marks a milestone in Michigan's transportation system," Lt. Governor John Cherry said. "The new freeway we are opening today will be a great economic boon to this region, making the movement of workers and products safer, quicker and more efficient."

The new 20-mile freeway was constructed with two 12-foot lanes in each direction and an 80-foot wide grassy median. The median width allows for the addition of a third lane in each direction as future capacity needs dictate, saving the time and money that would be needed to construct a center median wall. The M-6/US-131 interchange alone cost about $160 million - the single largest contract in MDOT history.

"Opening M-6 ahead of schedule is due to outstanding work by MDOT employees and our many partners in the Grand Region," said State Transportation Director Gloria Jeff. "Building a freeway of this magnitude is a major initiative which would not have been possible to complete without a dedicated workforce, diligent contractors and consultants. We are grateful for the local and legislative support we received throughout the process. Michigan finished a mega-project ahead of schedule and within budget."

One of the innovations on the project is the use of a SPUI (engineers call it a "spooey") - one of only three in use in Michigan. A Single-Point Urban Interchange is a relatively new method for moving traffic in areas of limited space.

Instead of traditional cloverleaf ramps, which take up a tremendous amount of space, left-turn movements are brought to a single point at the center of the interchange. Opposing left-turn movements are then completed simultaneously under the protection of a traffic signal.

A SPUI can be constructed with minimal right-of-way, provides for a shorter turn radius for left turns, can reduce motorist delays and are "ideal for urban areas," according to MDOT.

"An incredible amount of talent and energy went into this project," said Roger Safford, Grand Region engineer.

The M-6/Kalamazoo interchange uses a unique Single-Point Urban Interchange (a "Spooey"), rather than a cloverleaf setup. This view is looking north on Kalamazoo Street. Motorists enter the east-west freeway by cutting across north-south traffic that is stopped by traffic signals under the bridge. MDOT photo

A SEA OF RE-BAR is installed before pouring concrete during construction of the M-6 freeway. Photo by Bill Phillips /MDOT