News Summary
Kent County is set to start an extensive road work project on Plainfield Avenue, with a focus on resurfacing and enhancements to traffic signals, sidewalks, and ramps. The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $4.6 million, complemented by $2 million from Plainfield Township. Initial lane closures will occur at night, with total ramp closures expected at the I-96 interchange. The project, scheduled for completion by late November, aims to improve road safety and walkability and is anticipated to support around 44 jobs in the local economy.
Kent County is set to undergo a significant road work project beginning on Tuesday, May 27, affecting Plainfield Avenue (M-44 Connector). The project will cover a distance of 2.7 miles between I-96 and Airway Street in Plainfield Township and is expected to last approximately six months.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $4.6 million into the road resurfacing project, with an additional $2 million funding approved by the Plainfield Township’s Board of Trustees, creating a substantial financial commitment to improve the area.
As part of the project, there will be resurfacing initiatives along with enhancements to traffic signals, sidewalks, and ramps at the I-96 interchange. Initial lane closures are scheduled from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. between Tuesday and Friday, continuing until May 30. During this time, drivers should anticipate daily single-lane closures along Plainfield Avenue.
Furthermore, the ramps at the Plainfield Avenue/I-96 interchange will also face closures this week, requiring adjustments to commuting plans for local drivers. Nightly total closures will affect one direction of traffic at a time during the construction, with detours provided via 4 Mile Road and Coit Avenue.
From this summer, with the intent of minimizing disruptions caused by school traffic, four landscaped medians will be constructed near the intersections of Woodworth Avenue NE and Jupiter Avenue NE. Although lanes will be narrowed from 12 feet to 11 feet, the total number of available traffic lanes on Plainfield Avenue will not decrease.
The construction is expected to be completed by late November and aims to enhance road safety and walkability in the area, addressing community concerns identified through the “Reimagine Plainfield” vision initiative. The project is part of a broader commitment by state officials to invest in infrastructure, as noted by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The investment in the Plainfield Avenue project is anticipated to support approximately 44 jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the local economy amidst the construction efforts. Locally, Plainfield Township is home to popular attractions such as the LMCU Ballpark and West Michigan Whitecaps, which are located just north of Grand Rapids.
The combination of road resurfacing, improved traffic management, and enhanced pedestrian facilities reflects a thoughtful response to community needs and infrastructure priorities. This major road work aims to promote safer travel and a more walkable area, ultimately benefiting local residents and visitors alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WOODTV: Construction Gets Underway on Plainfield Avenue
- MLive: Road Closures to Begin on Busy Stretch of Plainfield Avenue
- WZZM13: $4.6 Million Plainfield Avenue Construction Project Kick-Off
- Fox17: Online Prototype Construction Hub Highlighted
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Township Considers Housing Units to Revitalize Plainfield Avenue
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- Google Search: Plainfield Avenue Construction 2025
- Google Scholar: Plainfield Avenue Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Construction
- Google News: Plainfield Avenue
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.
