LANSING, Mich. — The Capital Region Airport Authority will begin a major roadway infrastructure reconstruction project in July 2026 to improve safety, access, traffic flow, and long-term durability on key airport-owned roadways serving the Capital Region International Airport.
“This infrastructure initiative isn’t just about paving roads; it is a strategic investment that strengthens LAN’s position as a premier regional logistics and economic hub,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO, Capital Region Airport Authority. “This project modernizes our gateway, ensuring our physical infrastructure matches the forward-looking growth of the Capital Region.”
The project will upgrade Port Lansing Road from DeWitt Road to Airport Road, a 2.3-mile corridor, and Capital City Boulevard from Grand River Avenue to West Circle Drive, a 0.4-mile corridor, to all-season Class A standards to better accommodate truck traffic and support future economic development opportunities at the airport.
Improvements will include roadway geometry revisions to enhance safety and efficiency, storm sewer structure replacements, landscaping enhancements, and signage upgrades to improve wayfinding throughout the airport roadway network. The project also includes a new pedestrian walkway along the full length of Capital City Boulevard from Grand River Avenue to the airport terminal building.
Currently, there is no sidewalk or pedestrian pathway along Capital City Boulevard. The new walkway will provide a safer and more accessible route for employees, visitors, airport tenants, and individuals using public transportation. The walkway will include seating areas, benches, and natural landscaping elements for added functionality and visual appeal.
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Project Funding and Partners
Funding for the project includes $9,400,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending through the State of Michigan with support from State Senator Sarah Anthony; $1,664,739.60 from the Michigan Department of Transportation, Transportation Economic Development Fund; and a local airport share of $1,450,986.
Construction is scheduled to occur in five phases from July 2026 through August 2027. Phase 1 is scheduled for July 6, 2026, through September 6, 2026, and will take place between Airport Road and Capital City Boulevard. Phases 2 – 5 are to be determined.
Phase 1 Access Information
During Phase 1, airport tenants (southwest T-Hangars) should use Gate 3 via Capital City Boulevard to West Circle Drive, Waco Drive, and Aviation Tech Drive. Avflight customers and staff should use Capital City Boulevard to West Circle Drive to enter the parking lot. Airport customers and staff should use Capital City Boulevard.
Best Friends Pet Hotel will be accessible via Capital City Boulevard to Port Lansing Road. One-lane access will be provided throughout the duration of the project.
The Capital Region Airport Authority owns and operates the Capital Region International Airport (LAN), Mason Jewett Field Airport (TEW) and Port Lansing – a global logistics center and mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry. The Capital Region International Airport is an important asset in the mid-Michigan community, driving $1 billion annually in economic impact with 700 people employed at the airport. The airport welcomes more than 352,000 visitors each year to connect throughout the country and the world. In addition to providing corporate and general aviation, the Capital Region International Airport moves 63.5 million pounds of cargo annually and is one of two airports in the state with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Station. Port Lansing, mid-Michigan’s only U.S. Port of Entry and home to Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #275 covering eight counties, also features a 48,000-square-foot cargo facility and container freight station, and 425 acres of ready-to-develop land. For more information, go to FlyLansing.com and visit the airport’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.
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