Editors note: This story was updated to provide information from Grand Rapids City Engineer Tim Burkman about the construction on Division Avenue.
Students attending summer classes at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids will notice a change in traffic flow when they return to campus on May 6. Lyon and Fountain streets have been turned into two-way streets and will remain this way until 2025. This change started on Monday, April 29, due to the ongoing construction along Division Avenue.
“It will be like this probably until 2025 while they are doing repair work on different streets downtown,” said GRCC Police Chief Rebecca Whitman
The change was issued by the city nearly a month ago but had been delayed due to GRCC’s 107th Commencement Ceremony which was held. While there have been no accidents or issues reported by GRCC Police, Whitman explained there could be confusion about the street.
“With all the construction going around downtown, and all the detour routes, all we can do is to tell people to plan ahead, plan their route and pay attention to detour signs,” Whitman said.
Grand Rapids City Engineer Tim Burkman who is overseeing this project on Division Avenue stated there have been a few instances of drivers parking on the wrong side of the road and that the change of traffic is still in an adjustment period.
Burkman explained that this extensive construction is part of the city’s plan to improve the street’s infrastructure with better lights and access for bike lanes.
“This is a significant project for the city,” said Burkman. “We are upgrading utility infrastructure and then upgrading the street (by) adding bike lanes that are separated from the street surface level…adding decorative lighting and enhancements for this corridor.”
Burkman believes this is a significant improvement and asks that drivers remain patient while this project is ongoing.
“…We know that it’s an inconvenience and a frustration for drivers,” Burkman said. “We just ask (people to) slow down through construction zones, pay attention to signage and just navigate carefully through the areas.”
In a similar email to students and staff on April 17, the college asked that people pay attention to this change.
“Please be extra attentive and aware as you travel to and from campus as others may not know about the traffic shift,” stated the email from GRCC’s Communications staff.
The City of Grand Rapids has an interactive map and email notifications to alert drivers about future and ongoing construction projects across the city. You can find these resources on their website.
