US-131 Reopens After Van Crash Injures Road Workers Near Wayland
US-131 near Wayland reopened Wednesday after a van crash injured road workers and temporarily closed northbound lanes near 140th Avenue.
The crash happened around 10 a.m. on May 13, 2026, on northbound US-131 at 140th Avenue. According to MDOT spokesperson John Richard, a driver veered from the left lane onto the shoulder where an MDOT crew was working. Workers reportedly jumped over the guardrail to avoid the oncoming vehicle.
The workers sustained minor injuries from jumping out of the vehicle’s path. Richard said the workers were fortunate they were not struck directly. At least two MDOT vehicles were also involved in the crash.
Michigan State Police confirmed minor injuries from the crash but did not specify whether the van driver was among those injured.
US-131 was closed from approximately 10 a.m. to noon before reopening to traffic. Construction work later resumed.
Michigan Law and Work Zone Crashes
Michigan law imposes enhanced penalties when a qualifying moving violation causes injury or death in a work zone.
Under MCL 257.601b, a driver who commits a moving violation carrying at least three points and causes injury to another person in a work zone can face misdemeanor penalties, including up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
If the violation causes death, the offense can become a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $7,500.
The law is commonly associated with “Andy’s Law,” Michigan’s work-zone safety legislation designed to protect road workers and others in marked work zones.
Legal Issues After a Michigan Work Zone Crash
A work-zone crash can raise several legal issues beyond the traffic citation itself. Injured road workers may have workers’ compensation issues, No-Fault PIP benefit questions, and possible third-party claims depending on how the crash happened and what insurance coverage applies.
For drivers, passengers, workers, or families affected by a serious Michigan work-zone crash, the key issues often include preserving evidence, identifying all available insurance policies, documenting injuries, and tracking deadlines.
Michigan Legal Center handles car accident, work-zone crash, and personal injury claims throughout Michigan. Call (248) 886-8650 or contact Michigan Legal Center for a consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover money for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.