Grand Rapids, Mich. — As the orange cone season begins in the city, residents and commuters can expect significant roadwork in the coming months. On Tuesday, city officials hosted an event to highlight some of this year’s major infrastructure projects, which are set to overhaul key streets throughout Grand Rapids.
Tim Burkman, the City Engineer, spoke about the city’s plans and the importance of community feedback. “We’re just really looking to showcase a few projects — this is just a sampling, there’s plenty more coming,” Burkman said. “We want to hear what’s important to folks as we move forward.”
One of the most prominent projects this year will take place on Leonard Street NW, between Powers Avenue and Alpine Avenue. The project is scheduled to be completed in two phases. From March to June, the northern half of Leonard Street will be resurfaced, with eastbound traffic maintained. Following that, from June to August, work will shift to the southern half of the street, with westbound traffic continuing to flow. This long-awaited resurfacing project aims to address the deteriorating condition of the street, improving travel for the many commuters who rely on it daily.
Another major construction effort underway involves Division Avenue, which has been closed between Fulton Street and Michigan Street for several weeks. The closure, which began earlier this year, is expected to last until November. The ongoing work follows last year’s lengthy closure of the Division/Fulton intersection, which was shut down for several months due to a comprehensive reconstruction project.
In addition, improvements are set to continue on Boston Street SE and Fuller Avenue SE. Work on Boston Street, from Fuller to Plymouth Avenue, began earlier this year and is expected to continue through August. Starting at the end of March, construction will begin on Fuller Avenue, from Kalamazoo Avenue to Adams Street, with an estimated completion in July.
This year’s projects come with a significant financial commitment, far surpassing the construction budget of the previous year. According to Burkman, the city plans to spend approximately $100 million on infrastructure improvements in 2025, more than double last year’s $40 million investment. “We’re excited to see these improvements made, but we understand they come with inconvenience,” Burkman noted. “We’re asking for patience and cooperation as we work to alleviate some of the frustrations by keeping the public informed.”
While the extensive construction will undoubtedly cause disruptions, city officials are hopeful that the long-term benefits, including smoother roads and improved safety, will be well worth the temporary inconveniences. With many of these projects running through the summer months, residents are encouraged to plan for detours and allow extra time for travel.
As Grand Rapids continues to invest in its infrastructure, the city is not only looking to improve road conditions but also to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents and visitors.
