IONIA, Mich. (WILX) - The Michigan State Police stepped up enforcement along I-96 in Ionia County on Tuesday, part of a test to see if more patrols and added safety measures can reduce deadly crashes in the construction zone.
Since lane closures began in March, the two-mile stretch between mile marker 67 and M-50/Alden Nash Avenue SE has seen 10 fatalities, the majority involving large commercial vehicles.
Lt. David Haynes with MSP said the toll has been difficult for troopers who respond to these scenes. “It really breaks my heart at how many fatals we’ve had here. One hundred percent of the accidents caused by commercial vehicle drivers,” Haynes said.
On Sept. 23, about 30 motor carrier officers with the Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division set up at the Portl