Muskegon commission backs MDOT redesign of Apple Avenue and supports city takeover after reconstruction

The Muskegon City Commission voted to back the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) 2026 reconstruction design for Apple Avenue and approved a separate resolution indicating the city wants ownership of the roadway after MDOT completes the work.

Supporters said the design — which narrows sections of the road, adds a separated two-direction multiuse path and makes ADA improvements — will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and restore a more walkable corridor leading into downtown. Opponents and some residents raised concerns about traffic flow, enforcement and the long-term maintenance cost to the city if ownership is transferred.

Why it matters: Apple Avenue is a major artery into downtown Muskegon. The commission’s support helps lock in design features MDOT incorporated after public engagement and signals that the city wants control of future street design and pedestrian-safety investments rather than leaving those choices solely to a state agency.

The MDOT design retained a five-lane section at the eastern end near US-131, then a three-lane section through most of the corridor, and a two-lane segment west of Terrace under MDOT’s working plans. Under the resolution the commission approved, the city advocated a three-lane section to extend from Burton Street through Terrace to reduce emergency-response…