New Tunnel Link Will Connect Grand River Greenway Through Plainfield Township

Construction is set to begin May 4 on a pedestrian tunnel beneath Northland Drive in Plainfield Township, creating a new regional trail link and a safer crossing for one of northern Kent County's busiest roads.

The tunnel will take pedestrians under Northland Drive as part of the Grand River Greenway project, which spans from Lowell Township all the way to the lakeshore. This is the next installment of the Grand River Greenway, a series of parks, trails and natural areas spanning from Grand Haven to Lowell.

Connecting Regional Trail Systems

The tunnel under Northland Drive will provide "very efficient and safe travel" for pedestrians on the greenway, according to County Administrator/Controller for Kent County Al Vanderberg.

"It's amazing to see people using some of the segments of trail that have been built in West Michigan already, and then knowing that we're really building a whole number of things this summer, next summer, and we'll have much more of it available for people to use even by the end of 2027," Vanderberg said.

The pedestrian tunnel project will include a new non-motorized trail along the east side of Northland Drive, linking to 7 Mile Road to the north and Cannonsburg Road to the south. Construction is expected to be completed late this fall.

Funding and Partnerships

The project is being supported by $10 million American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded through a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

The ceremony recognized the partnerships between Kent County, Plainfield Charter Township, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Kent County Road Commission, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other community stakeholders.

Vision for West Michigan Trails

Despite the years of work to get the Grand River Greenway underway, Vanderberg said the trail will be a major addition for the area.

"I think the Grand River Greenway is going to put Kent County and West Michigan on the national map in a new way," he said. "Where else can you experience going from a great lake to the second biggest city in the state with all the amenities and everything along the trail, plus amazing natural areas, thousands of acres of parks in different jurisdictions? I think it's just going to be a phenomenal addition to West Michigan and the state and the nation."

The first phase of the work will include intermittent closures on the northbound shoulder of Northland Drive. The project will connect the South Rogue River Trail with other existing and future trails as part of the greater Grand River Greenway initiative.