GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Millions of dollars are on the way to fund two infrastructure projects in Grand Rapids.
Friday, $34.7 million in grants were awarded to the Michigan Infrastructure Office (MIO) to “address decades of inequities caused by past infrastructure decisions, improve accessibility and reconnect communities.”
Of the $34.7 million, $25 million was awarded to Grand Rapids’ “East Beltline Bridge Replacement” project, according to MIO.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is expected to replace the East Beltline Bridge, adding ADA-compliant walkways and dedicated bike lanes.
The upgraded bridge will improve vehicle lanes and resident connectivity and safety, MDOT officials said.
Another $800,000 of the fund is dedicated to the “US-131 Freeway Crossing Improvements Planning Study,” in Grand Rapids.
This study focuses on improving “east-west connectivity” underneath US-131. They aim to find ways to enhance pedestrian and cyclist access, reducing physical barriers, according to MIO.
In all, the $34.7 million funding was made possible by the Nov. 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which is administered through two U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) programs: the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) program.
“These projects are about more than just roads and bridges—they are about building a more equitable and connected state,” Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer of Michigan and director of the MIO, said. “By prioritizing community needs, mobility, and environmental stewardship, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Michigan, where every resident has access to the vital services, opportunities and quality of life they deserve.”
In addition to both Grand Rapids projects, the following Michigan infrastructure projects were also announced, according to MIO:
$1.04 Million for the Our Way for the Highway Planning Study (Lansing)
The City of Lansing will lead a planning study to explore ways to reconnect the historic Island Neighborhood, which was divided by the construction of I-496.
Options such as highway caps, pedestrian pathways, and other crossings will be considered to restore neighborhood cohesion and improve mobility, officials said.
$3.9 million for the “Eastside Jackson Commerce Connection” (Jackson)
The City of Jackson will invest $3.9 million in RCP funding to revitalize key roadways, sidewalks and bike lanes, including community-focused upgrades such as tree-lined pathways.
These improvements will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while boosting the overall aesthetic appeal of the area, making it more inviting to both residents and visitors.
$2 million for the “Reconnecting Southwest Detroit Planning Project” (Southwest Detroit)
The City of Detroit will design a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to improve access between underserved neighborhoods and the Joe Louis Greenway.
This crossing will reduce physical barriers created by the Livernois-Junction rail terminal, giving residents safer routes to jobs, schools and green spaces.
$2 million for the “I-75 Cap Design Engineering Project” (Detroit)
MDOT will focus on the design and engineering studies to reconnect Brush Park, the Cass Corridor and downtown Detroit.
The studies aim to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating highway caps to enhance green space and improve pedestrian safety.
“We’re pleased to receive this grant, allowing our department to make a significant improvement for all road users in the Grand Rapids area,” Bradley C. Wiefreich, state transportation director, said. “Rebuilding and modernizing this interchange with the addition of non-motorized and pedestrian lanes supports safety and mobility for all.”
More information about the Michigan Infrastructure Office and these projects can be found on their website.