City Planning Major Street Improvements Starting This Spring

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids is set to invest more than $51 million in street improvements this year through its Vital Streets program, with construction beginning on four major projects over the coming months.

The city hosted its first Commission Night Out of the year on April 2 to give neighbors a firsthand look at the road construction projects planned for this summer. The meeting took place at GRPS University on Fuller Avenue starting at 6 p.m.

Four Key Projects Under Review

Neighbors attending the meeting will get detailed information about four upcoming road projects, including timelines, how decisions are made, and resources business owners can use during construction season.

Buchanan Avenue from Hall Street to Corinne Street

Work on this project is set to start in September and will include a full street closure. This location is in southeast Grand Rapids, and the city commission recently voted unanimously to fund the project in agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation. The project will add more parking and bike lanes to the area.

Burton Street from Division Avenue to Kalamazoo Avenue

This is one of the city's largest investments, with $11.17 million allocated for reconstruction work. Construction is scheduled to begin in April and will involve some street closures. Burton Street receives the largest investment in the city's overall $51 million improvement plan.

Cesar Chavez Avenue from Beacon Street to Hall Street

Work on this project was set to start this week and will include a full street closure. This project addresses traffic and infrastructure needs on Cesar Chavez Avenue in the city.

Monroe Avenue from Coldbrook Street to Newberry Street

This project is also scheduled to start in April and involves resurfacing and upgrading sidewalks. The improvements aim to enhance pedestrian access and road safety in this area.

Focus on Business Resources

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. The city is providing resources to help business owners navigate construction season and minimize disruptions to their operations.

Community Reactions

During the Commission Night Out event, community members also raised concerns about traffic safety on streets not included in the current projects. Ellen Atkins, president of the MLK Park Neighborhood Association, urged the commission to address limited sight lanes on Kalamazoo Avenue.

"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."

City Engineering Department's Approach

Cindy Irving, Acting City Engineer, emphasized the importance of patience and understanding during construction season. Irving discussed upcoming road projects at the City Commission Night Out event prior to the commission meeting.

"The key to letting people know is so they can plan so they're expecting to see contractors in their neighborhood," Irving said.

The engineering department is also focused on replacing water mains and fixing potholes throughout the city. Irving noted that the department maintains a comprehensive list of current and future projects on the city's website.

Funding and Cost-Sharing

The Buchanan Avenue project represents a cost-sharing agreement between the city and the state. Irving explained that the city goes to the commission with a cost-sharing agreement to recognize its local share of cost, which serves as a mechanism to access additional federal funding and state funding to help offset the cost of infrastructure improvements.

What to Expect This Construction Season

The city is planning work on more than 100 street projects this year, totaling an investment of over $51 million from the city's Vital Streets program. Construction season typically runs through the summer and fall months, and the city is working to communicate project timelines effectively to residents and businesses.

The Commission Night Out event builds off last year's larger construction-focused event, which successfully engaged the community in understanding and planning for road improvements.

Stay Informed

Residents and business owners can access a comprehensive list of current and future projects on the city of Grand Rapids website. The city continues to emphasize transparency and communication throughout the construction season to help the community plan accordingly.