The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the go-ahead on a $32 million project to build the first full interchange on I-96 in an area between Howell and Brighton.

Bids for the  I-96/Latson Road interchange project will go out in September with preliminary construction expected to begin in the fall, according to MDOT. The project is expected to be completed in November 2013.

The project is the culmination of many years of collaboration between MDOT, the Livingston County Road Commission, Genoa Township, Livingston County Board of Commissioners, U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-Brighton) and other local partners to secure funding for the project.

Local contribution for the project is $10.5 million, with the remaining $21.5 million covered with state and federal funding.

The interchange project will involve:

• Constructing a new bridge extending Latson Road over I-96
• Building new ramps to connect I-96 and Latson Road
• Reconstructing and relocating Grand Oaks Drive and Beck Road
• Reconstructing and widening Latson/Nixon Road
• Resurfacing and widening the Grand River Avenue and Latson Road intersection
• Removing the existing rest area along westbound I-96, just past Lake Chemung
• An enhancement project to add a nonmotorized path along the west side of Latson/Nixon Road from Grand River Avenue to Beck Road.

The construction this fall will involve relocating Beck Road, clearing and removing trees, relocating utilities, and closing the westbound I-96 rest area in anticipation of building demolition over the winter.

The majority of construction on the new interchange is expected to begin in the spring of 2013.

For more information on the project, visit michigan.gov/mdot.