GRAND HAVEN — A major infrastructure project on Fulton Avenue in Grand Haven, spanning from First to Fifth streets, is expected to begin in late May, according to city officials.

The $3 million project, which includes water main and sewer line replacements, and new road and sidewalk construction, will be administratively managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, said Grand Haven Assistant City Manager and Interim Director of Public Works Dana Kollewehr. The city’s engineer will be the onsite manager overseeing the project. 

Because MDOT is funding a portion of the project, it oversees the bidding process, coordinates the project and holds the contract. Kollewehr said bidding is underway with a deadline to submit in mid-April. 

Once bids are reviewed, the city will finalize a formal construction schedule and inform residents of the phasing schedule and what they can expect with detours, Kollewehr said. 

“We are looking at a late May construction start and possibly into June. We would continue with that until they are done or winter shuts us down, but we don’t anticipate going beyond the construction season,” she said. 

The water main, originally installed in the 1960s, is a key focus of the project. It is outdated and deteriorating which is causing water flow issues in that area. 

“That’s the driver for the project,” she said. “But certainly, we are updating our sewer mains at that time.”

The project will also include new road and sidewalk construction, ultimately refreshing the entire corridor.

MDOT is contributing over $1 million to the project. The city’s portion, funded through enterprise funds for streets, water and sewer, totals approximately $1.93 million, with $100,000 allocated to streets, over $430,000 to water, and $1.5 million to sewer.

No tax increase for residents will result from the project, Kollewehr said, as the city has an infrastructure millage and earmarked funds for projects of this size. 

Kollewehr emphasized the importance of the project for ensuring reliable infrastructure, particularly in light of a recent major fire in the city. 

A Jan. 25 fire at The Forum Building on Fulton Ave., occurred early that morning when no one was inside. No one was injured; the building was deemed a total loss. Fire officials cited water supply as one factor in their struggle to extinguish the flames. Severe weather that morning was said to be a contributing factor as well.  

“The major fire that occurred highlights why this is so important," Kollewehr said. “We are appreciative of the dollars we do receive for this project and want to be good stewards for reliable infrastructure for the community.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.