After enduring months of construction and multiple delays, the intersection at Fulton Street and Division Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids has reopened. Officials confirmed the completion of the $5 million reconstruction project, which included upgrades to essential utilities such as a new water main and power duct bank. The efforts to revitalize this key stretch of urban thoroughfare were marked by unforeseen challenges, including removing old areaway walls discovered during construction.
Intended to be completed by October, the project's timeline stretched into November when crews encountered these historic obstructions while installing new traffic signal foundations. According to WOOD TV, the necessary detour routes had utilized several nearby streets to manage the flow of traffic diverted by the closure. Drivers were obliged to make do with these alternates, which included Ionia Avenue, Monroe Avenue, Ransom Avenue, and others that temporarily supported two-way traffic.
The long-awaited reopening, rescheduled for November 11th, was further postponed due to inclement weather. Rainfall last Thursday made conditions too wet for the addition of pavement markings, a final step pivotal for the safety and navigation of the intersection. As a result, the reopening, planned for Friday, slipped to Saturday, WZZM 13 reported.
With the intersection now open, local commuters can sigh relief. One commuter expressed frustration with the prolonged construction and stated, as per Mix 957, "I don't think I can stand one more day of taking detours to get to work in Grand Rapids." Moving forward, Grand Rapids residents can look ahead to additional improvements, including Division Avenue's slated $10 million reconstruction between Fulton and Michigan Street next year, which is expected to bring new street pavement and amenities such as ornamental street lighting and raised bike facilities.
