GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — A long-awaited project to bury power lines along Harbor Drive in downtown Grand Haven is now underway, promising to both improve service reliability and enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. According to the Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP), the initiative will replace aging infrastructure, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Work began in March to bury the 13.2 kilovolt overhead distribution lines stretching from Columbus Avenue to Howard Avenue. The project is set to be completed by December 2025, though crews will take a break from Memorial Day through Labor Day to avoid disrupting the busy tourist season. When finished, the overhead poles and wires currently lining the street will be removed and replaced with two new underground three-phase circuits, as well as pad-mounted switchgear, sectionalizing cabinets, and secondary conductors.
The project has been years in the making. In 2018, when Harbor Drive was reconstructed, underground conduit was installed in preparation for this extensive upgrade. Rob Shelley, general manager of the BLP, emphasized the importance of the work, noting that the existing power lines had reached the “end of their useful life.”
“This replacement project will not only be a significant enhancement for the reliability of the downtown electrical circuit, but will also serve to enhance the visual appearance of our downtown area,” Shelley stated in a recent BLP news release.
The burial of these power lines is expected to improve the reliability of electrical service, which will be particularly beneficial in the face of severe weather events that have previously caused power outages in the area. Moreover, removing the overhead wires will create a cleaner, more open view for residents and visitors alike, contributing to the visual charm of the downtown area.
Mike Westbrook, chairman of the BLP, noted that the project’s impact extends beyond just electrical improvements. “These improvements not only help with reliability, but they also add significant value to the communities we serve,” he said. “Grand Haven has a fantastic downtown, and this project will significantly enhance the visual appeal of our community for both residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Local business owners and residents are expected to benefit from the enhanced aesthetics and reliability, as the updated infrastructure will not only reduce the risk of outages but also improve the overall experience of those who frequent the downtown area. With construction expected to wrap up by the end of 2025, Grand Haven’s downtown district is poised for both functional and visual upgrades that will serve the community for years to come.
