News Summary
Grand Rapids has approved a $959,684 contract for the reconstruction of Plainfield Avenue. The project aims to enhance safety and usability for commuters and will feature new pavement, sidewalks, bike lanes, and street trees. Construction will begin in early August, coinciding with an MDOT project to improve overall traffic flow. This collaboration between city and township entities demonstrates a commitment to modernizing local infrastructure and fostering community engagement throughout the project.
Grand Rapids has taken a significant step towards enhancing local infrastructure with the recent approval of a contract for the reconstruction of Plainfield Avenue. During a public meeting held on July 15, 2024, the Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously agreed to award a contract valued at $959,684 to C&D Hughes Inc. for the much-anticipated project.
The construction is scheduled to start in early August 2024 and will focus on the section of Plainfield Avenue running from Fuller Avenue to the I-96 eastbound on-ramp. This initiative is aimed at modernizing the roadway, thereby improving safety and usability for all commuters.
Project Details
City Engineer Tim Burkman outlined several key enhancements that will be included in this project. The work will feature:
- New pavement along the designated stretch
- Replacement of curb and gutter
- Addition of new sidewalks and ADA-accessible ramps
- Installation of new bike lanes
- Replacement of road approaches
- Planting of new street trees
The awarded contract to C&D Hughes Inc. came in below the engineer’s estimate of $1.1 million, showcasing efficient budgeting and commitment to cost-effectiveness by the city. Additionally, the agreement will include an 8.6% Micro-Local Business Enterprise Certification participation rate, which aims to encourage local business involvement throughout the construction process.
Coordination with MDOT
The reconstruction of Plainfield Avenue will coincide with an ongoing Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project that began in late May 2024. This larger initiative involves resurfacing 2.7 miles of Plainfield Avenue, extending between I-96 and Airway Street, as part of a six-month construction effort aimed at enhancing the overall traffic flow and roadway conditions.
Burkman emphasized the importance of aligning the city’s construction timeline with that of the MDOT project. This coordination aims to minimize disruptions for residents and improve maintenance of traffic during the construction period.
Collaborative Efforts
The overarching aims of the Plainfield Avenue projects reflect a collaboration between various governmental entities, including the city of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Township, and Plainfield Township. This cooperative approach not only facilitates better resource management but also ensures that the needs of the surrounding communities are addressed effectively.
Impact and Future Developments
Upon completion, the planned upgrades to Plainfield Avenue will likely enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, contribute to decreased traffic congestion, and promote a more aesthetically pleasing urban environment through the inclusion of landscaped areas. The improvements are part of a broader effort by the city to invest in infrastructure to sustain long-term economic and community growth.
As the construction date approaches, residents can anticipate more information regarding traffic management plans and updates on the progress of the project, ensuring that the public remains informed and engaged throughout this critical development phase. With these enhancements, Grand Rapids aims to create a more accessible and efficient transportation network for its community.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids Planning $1M Reconstruction Project of Plainfield Avenue
- Detroit Free Press: Michigan MDOT Roads and Construction Updates
- Fox 17: Biggest Road Projects in West Michigan
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- WZZM13: Major Construction Projects in Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
