The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has opened Interstate 94/69 (I-94/I-69) in the city of Port Huron, following a $90m redevelopment.

The project included widening 2.2 miles of I-94/I-69 in all directions between Lapeer Road and Pine Grove Avenue.

Under the reconstruction, the old bridges over the Black River were replaced with three new bridges, including a bridge eastbound to Pine Grove Avenue to cater to the local traffic, an eastbound bridge for international traffic and a westbound bridge for both international and local traffic.

The eastbound bridges separate local and international traffic, increasing safety and mobility, while the westbound bridge serves both local traffic and international traffic of Blue Water Bridge, which links Highway 402 in Ontario, Canada, with both the I-69 and I-94.

In addition to this work, the project involved construction of a new 14ft-wide non-motorised path across the Black River, which was financed by a $30m federal Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant.

Further work covered in the interstate reconstruction project included interchange improvements, an overpass replacement, 2 miles of new pavement and updated freeway lighting.

MDOT metro region engineer Tony Kratofil said that the project will ensure that Port Huron remains a viable trade crossing.

"Thanks to this much needed work, there is increased safety and improved mobility for international traffic approaching the Blue Water Bridge, as well as for motorists accessing the local communities," Kratofill added.

Work on the I-94/I-69 reconstruction project originally began in March 2011.

In 2014, the department will commence construction on bridges and freeway on the I-69 and I-69 business loop from Range Road to 32nd Street, along with the work on I-94 from Griswold to Lapeer roads.

The 572.6km I-69 consists of disjointed sections with an original continuous segment from Indianapolis, Indiana, northeast to the Canadian border in Port Huron, while Interstate I-94, which is over 2,551km long, links the Great Lakes and Intermountain regions of the US.