By Tara M. Hernandez
grr.org
Passengers and guests visiting the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) should prepare for extra travel time getting to the airport this summer.
Beginning June 10, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) will be working on a project to widen and provide dual left-turn lanes on eastbound 44th Street to northbound Patterson Avenue. The work includes asphalt and concrete pavement removal, concrete curb and gutter, concrete pavement, pavement markings, restoration and traffic signal modifications.
The work will be phased to maintain one lane in each direction and left turns at the intersection, and it is estimated to be complete at the end of August.
“The Kent County Road Commission is partnering with the City of Kentwood on this intersection project, which will help to reduce congestion caused by the high volume of eastbound 44th Street traffic turning left onto northbound Patterson,” said Wayne Harrall, KCRC Deputy Managing Director of Engineering. “The application of concrete will also help 44th Street withstand the high volume of commercial trucks that travel it, and complete the concrete pavement segment from Patterson Avenue to Broadmoor Avenue.”
The Airport is also under construction indoors on Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions.
“Summer is a busy time of year for us and with added construction on the roads and in the terminal building, we are encouraging passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “The Kent County Road Commission does a great job with road maintenance and improvements and we know they will work swiftly to complete this project to have as little an impact on the airport as possible.”
GFIA construction updates can be found on our website: https://www.grr.org/construction.php.
