Muskegon staff seek commission support for Apple Avenue redesign, $3.8M in city costs and possible state turnback

City of Muskegon staff and Michigan Department of Transportation officials on Tuesday presented final design details and a request for the city to formally endorse the reconstruction of Apple Avenue and a possible “turn back” of the road from MDOT to the city.

Dan Vanderheide, director of public works for the city, told the commission that MDOT obtained funding to rebuild Apple Avenue and scheduled construction for summer 2026. Vanderheide said MDOT expects city sign-off on two resolutions: one endorsing the current design and cost-sharing, and a second expressing willingness to take ownership of the roadway after construction (a “turn back”). The resolutions will appear on the commission’s consent agenda at the next general session for formal consideration.

The design presented keeps five lanes near the highway, provides a three-lane section through the middle portion of the corridor and reduces to two lanes in the downtown portion. Vanderheide described a change being recommended now: extending the three-lane portion farther west so the three-to-two transition is at Terrace rather than Wood Street. He said the change responds to public safety concerns and would leave a consistent three-lane section for emergency response from Central Station. The plan also adds a 10-foot shared path on the south side of the corridor through most of the project and increases planting and terrace green space.

Why it matters: MDOT is reconstructing the road for statewide funding; the city’s endorsement would commit local…