Spectrum Health Offers Suggestions For Traversing I-196 Construction

Patients, Visitors Urged to Take Extra Time, Check Web Site

Construction on the “Fix on I-196” begins in earnest on April 12 but Spectrum Health has begun educating staff and the public on how to access the Spectrum Health Medical Center on Michigan Street with the least amount of delay and frustration.

The Medical Center consists of Butterworth Hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center and the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion. Spectrum Health is communicating with staff, physicians, patients, emergency medical services, and vendors using publications, memos, the Internet and social media to discuss changes in traffic flow.

“The primary message is that we have a plan in place, and we are working with the public and our staff to review how traffic will be affected. We urge visitors to plan their routes accordingly,” said Jonathan Flyte, vice president, facilities. “If everyone allows a little extra time to access the Medical Center during this period, they should be able to make their appointments without delay. We thank our patients and visitors for their patience during this construction project.”

Flyte expects traffic congestion along the I-196 corridor to be particularly high during April as motorists adjust to the detours. The first phase of construction runs from April to August. Here are suggestions Spectrum Health is offering:

People can get to the Spectrum Health Medical Center from eastbound and westbound I-196 using the College Avenue exits – they are open.
- Exit on College Avenue (Exit 78) and turn south. Turn right on Michigan Street (first traffic light). Use the numbered entry markers to find your building.
- The ramp between 131 North and I-196 East will be closed. Motorists should exit 131 at Pearl Street, continue straight on Scribner Avenue and turn right on Michigan Street.
The closure of I-196 entrance ramps at College Avenue will require motorists to follow detours when leaving Spectrum Health Medical Center. Follow these directions:

To I-196 East:
Go east on Michigan Street, north on Fuller Avenue to I-196 East.

To I-196 West/131 North:
Go west on Michigan Street and north on Ionia Avenue to I-196 West and/or I-131 North.

To 131 South:
Go west on Michigan Street, under the 131 overpass, turn south on Mt. Vernon Avenue and enter 131 South at Pearl Street

Spectrum Health has posted information on I-196 construction on its Web site at www.spectrum-health.org/roadconstruction. A map and driving directions are available on the Web site. The map can also be requested from physician’s offices when scheduling an appointment at the Medical Center.

To help reduce congestion around the Medical Center, Spectrum Health is encouraging employees to seek alternatives to driving personal vehicles. Employees can ride The Rapid for free, a ride share program is available and shuttle service is available between the Medical Center and other Spectrum Health facilities.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of seven hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, mmpc® and West Michigan Heart-physician groups totaling more than 400 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 580,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $79.4 million in community benefit during its 2009 fiscal year. As a system, Spectrum Health has earned more than 100 awards since it was formed in 1997.