Slide across or tap on the image above to see the interchange before (left) and after (right) reconstruction. Graphic MLive, images courtesy MDOT.

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, MI — Roughly 65,000 vehicles traverse I-96 at Cascade Road each day, leading to frequent slowdowns during rush hour.

Come 2016, Michigan Department of Transportation crews plan to reconfigure the junction and help reduce some of the crowding by implementing what's known as a "diverging diamond interchange" at the site.

A rendered image appears to split Cascade Road in two over the highway, giving it a diamond-like appearance. The number of left turns will be reduced to keep traffic moving more freely.

Video: Time Magazine: The diverging diamond interchange in action

"There are so many left turn movements in that interchange, and that'll help alleviate a lot of congestion on Cascade," MDOT spokesman John Richard said.

MDOT workers will reconfigure the interchange and remove the two existing loop exit ramps, plus reconstruct four ramps, according to plan. The Cascade Road bridge over I-96 will be replaced with two new bridges for eastbound and westbound traffic.

The road itself will be reconstructed and resurfaced, with the addition of new traffic signals and sidewalks.

An open house is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Heather Hills Retirement Village, located at 1055 Forest Hill Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, to discuss the planned reconstruction.

Relocation of some utilities already is underway at the site, but initial construction will begin in late July or early August 2015 with the occasional lane and shoulder closures, Richard said. In 2016, the bridge demolition and road reconstruction is slated to happen.

The project's cost is $14 million and is paid from the state's general transportation fund.

According to MDOT's 2013 average daily traffic map, 65,000 vehicles travel along I-96 at Cascade Road each day, with fewer vehicles eastbound.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.