City Announces 130 Reconstruction Projects Across Greater Grand Rapids Area

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Orange cone season is officially upon us again. The City of Grand Rapids announced Thursday that four major streets will face significant construction this summer as part of an over $51 million investment in road improvements planned for the year.

The city is planning 130 road reconstruction projects this year, aimed at replacing deteriorating streets and utilities, filling potholes and extending road life. City officials shared detailed information about the projects with residents at the Tuesday, March 31, Grand Rapids City Commission Night Out meeting.

The Four Biggest Projects Being Planned This Summer

Buchanan Avenue: This $5.88 million project will reconstruct Buchanan Avenue from Hall Street to Corinne Street in southeast Grand Rapids. The road will be fully closed during the project, which will start in September and end in June 2027. Work includes the addition of bike lanes, the replacement of lead service lines and water main improvements. Cindy Irving, Acting City Engineer, confirmed the project was funded through a cost-sharing agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation to access additional federal and state funding.

Burton Street: This $11.17 million project will rebuild Burton Street from Division Avenue to Kalamazoo Avenue. It will span from April to November 2026, and the street will be closed at times during construction. The project includes lead service line replacement, water main improvements, sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades, and new asphalt pavement. Burton Street receives the largest investment of any single road in the city's Vital Streets program.

Cesar Chavez Avenue: This $3.5 million project will fully close Cesar Chavez Avenue for construction from Beacon Street to Hall Street. Construction started March 30 and will run through August 2026. The project will include lead service line replacement, water main work and full reconstruction.

Monroe Avenue: This $1.15 million project will reconstruct Monroe Avenue from Coldbrook Street to Newberry Street. It will start in April and run through June. The project will focus on resurfacing the roadway and upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps.

Community Voices Urge Safety Considerations

While city officials emphasized the importance of patience and understanding during construction season, some community members asked the commission to look at improving traffic safety on other streets not mentioned.

MLK Park Neighborhood Association president Ellen Atkins said that limited sight lanes on Kalamazoo Ave. need to be addressed. "I'm sure the city wants the residents to be safe on these streets, as the neighbors do," Atkins said. "As you begin to work on the upcoming budget, which I hear you all getting ready to do, we are urging you to keep the safety of our neighborhood in mind."

The focus on business resources follows challenges faced by local businesses last year when they had to contend with months of construction on Division Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.

What Residents Need to Know

Irving added that the department is also focused on replacing water mains, and fixing potholes throughout the city. "The key to letting people know is so that they can plan so they're expecting to see contractors in their neighborhood," Irving said.

Residents can find a map of all ongoing road projects on the city's website. The map includes current projects and future construction plans, allowing neighbors to prepare for construction season.

The city's engineering department is making improvements to the roads as the weather gets warmer, with construction season officially starting in March. While residents may think March Madness is basketball, Irving noted that it's really the start of road construction season.

Beyond the Four Major Projects

These four projects are just the biggest of the 130 projects being planned this summer. Other projects are smaller and will only take a few weeks for work like rotomill and resurfacing and temporary paving.

The Vital Streets program represents a significant commitment to infrastructure improvement across Grand Rapids. With over $51 million in planned investment, the city aims to modernize its road network and improve safety for all road users.