GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A major intersection in Grand Rapids that just re-opened after weeks of construction is shut down again, causing more frustration for drivers.
"We're estimating the work to take about three to four weeks. That's for the extent of the repair and replacing that 200 feet of sewer main," said Grand Rapids City Engineer Tim Burkman.
On Monday, the intersection of Michigan Street and Fuller Avenue closed for emergency sanitary sewer repairs. Burkman said the city is working to replace about 200 feet of a sanitary sewer main that currently has multiple breaks in it.
"Right now, we're working to repair a sanitary sewer line on fuller between Michigan and the railroad tracks to the north. The issue that's going on out there, though, is there's actually a significant downstream manhole. Where this sewer line drains is within the Michigan and Fuller intersection," said Burkman.
Signs are posted warning drivers of a $170 ticket and a minimum of two points on your license if you use private property to get around the road closure. Afendoulis Cleaners and Tuxedos is near the intersection and the owner said he's already seen many people ticketed.
"The police department put that sign up this morning, and today they probably issued about 40 or 50 tickets. So yeah, they're serious. The only thing is, they can't be here all day and as busy as this intersection is, people are coming through here. It's like a parking lot or a street right now," said Stathi Afendoulis, co-owner of Afendoulis Cleaners and Tuxedos.
He also worries that the added traffic due to the construction will pose a safety risk to drivers.
"We've been waiting for an accident to happen. So far, it hasn't happened, but it very well might. Hopefully, it will quiet down soon," said Afendoulis.
Burkman said heavy rain Tuesday and Wednesday may make the construction more difficult as crews try to draw the water levels down and dig towards the sewer main. However, the closure is still scheduled to last until Aug. 2.
"We'll try to open up portions of the intersection as soon as we can safely do so, but we do ask for patience as we try to get this important work done, again, it's necessary to repair this and replace this aging infrastructure," said Burkman.
Here are the detours for those driving toward the intersection:
- Northbound: Michigan Street to Plymouth Avenue to Leonard Street.
- Southbound: Leonard Street to Diamond Avenue to Fulton Street.
- Eastbound: Diamond Avenue to Leonard Street to Plymouth Avenue.
- Westbound: Plymouth Avenue to Leonard Street to Diamond Avenue.
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