MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation is expected to begin work on a portion of East Apple Avenue in 2026 after the City of Muskegon gave its approval for the project.
"With the project being two years out, a lot can change," said John Richard, MDOT communication rep for the Grand Region. "From our perspective, we're going to rip out the old pavement and put in the new."
Richard said much of the pavement is still the original pavement from the 1950s and 1960s and it's due for reconstruction.
The project includes E. Apple Avenue west of US-31 to First Street.
After finding out about the project, Kristina Gordon, who lives along E. Apple Ave., says she will be glad to see work being done on the road.
"When you walk along the road, you have to watch where you go for potholes and whatnot," said Gordon. "I think that'd be great."
MDOT said there will be two public meetings held in 2025 where residents can ask questions and give their input on the project.
Richard said the entire stretch of road won't be closed at the same time and that several alternate routes can be taken.
However, he said the plan for traffic control is yet to be determined until the entire scope of the project is finalized.
MDOT said the final design for the road is up to the city, but the tentative plan includes changes to make the road safer.
"There are no plans that are set, but I know that some of the sections are two lanes in each direction, and that will become one lane in each direction, with the center left turn lane," said Richard. "That really helps improve safety and improve operations."
Residents 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with gave mixed reactions to some of the proposals, with some concerned with how the changes will impact traffic.
Troi Sykes said he believes the proposed changes will improve safety for drivers and hopes to see more work being done to improve the area's roads.
"It'd be nice to see it all over the place, but I think this is a good place to start," said Sykes.
MDOT said public meetings are expected to be held in the spring and fall of 2025. The specific dates are yet to be determined.