By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org
The Michigan Concrete Association has recognized the City of Kentwood and the Kent County Road Commission with an Award of Excellence for the agencies’ joint project at the intersection of Patterson Avenue and 44th Street, according to the City of Kentwood.
The project’s goal was to improve traffic flow throughout the heavily traveled intersection, which serves as the entrance to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Completed in August 2019, the two-month project widened sections of both roads to provide dual left-turn lanes from eastbound 44th Street to northbound Patterson Avenue. The intersection’s north and west approaches were also reconstructed, receiving new full-depth concrete surfaces.
“To keep pace with the growth of Kentwood and the airport, additional lane capacity was achieved to improve commuting times for motorists at this critical intersection,” Tim Bradshaw, City of Kentwood Director of Engineering and Inspections, said in supplied material.
The award was presented during the Michigan Concrete Association 2020 Winter Conference and Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 13, in East Lansing. A competitive awards program, Kentwood and KCRC’s joint project was one of 25 that were recognized among the more than 45 projects that were submitted, according to the city.
“The new full-depth concrete pavement will serve this heavily traveled intersection for many years, reducing any future traffic impacts to the thousands of travelers who use the airport,” Dan DeGraaf, MCA executive director, said in supplied material. “The airport, city and county should be proud of the welcoming gateway that this intersection provides to visitors and motorists alike.”
Contractor Kamminga & Roodvoet completed the road improvements and Strain Electric performed the necessary traffic signal upgrades. Because of the intersection’s high traffic volumes and demand, the project was completed while maintaining two-way traffic and left turns at all times.
“This project is an excellent example of multi-agency collaboration,” Wayne Harrall, KCRC deputy managing director of engineering, said in supplied material. “Not only did Kentwood, the road commission and the contractors work together to complete a high-quality project, but the airport also provided critical support and communication that helped thousands of daily motorists safely navigate the work zone daily.”
