The Michigan Department of Transportation's project to rebuild the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in Walker has advanced to the finals of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' 2026 America's Transportation Awards.
The project, which previously won an AASHTO Quality of Life/Community Development award, is now competing for the Grand Prize and People's Choice Award. Both come with $10,000 cash prizes. Public voting for the People's Choice Award closes at 9 p.m. on Nov. 15, while an independent panel will vote for the Grand Prize. Winners will be announced Nov. 17 in Louisville, Kentucky.
MDOT invested approximately $35 million to replace the original 1961 bridge and rebuild the interchange in partnership with the City of Walker. The project also included a new nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides.
City of Walker Mayor Gary Carey Jr. said the project "successfully meets one of our community's most important transportation needs while creating lasting benefits for the entire region."
The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant via Public Act 1 of 2023 to help fund the project.