Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor warns 44th Street "white topping" failures; city plans inspection and next‑year reconstruction
Summary
Mayor told the commission that a concrete "white topping" section on 44th Street and other regional projects have deteriorated and will require attention this winter and a full reconstruction next year, with short-term safety measures and traffic control planned.
During commissioner comments, the mayor outlined long-standing concerns about 44th Street’s white‑topping concrete overlay and said the surface "blew apart" this spring, causing vehicle damage. He described the original county design and the material issues: white topping requires at least 4 inches of concrete and when slabs lift they create large, difficult‑to‑repair holes. "When that 4 inch concrete slab lifts off and breaks apart, you got a major hole there," the mayor said.
Staff will walk the corridor and evaluate short‑term fixes; the mayor said federal funds are scheduled for reconstruction next year, and the city will stage one‑way traffic and detours during work. He warned that next year will see substantial road projects across Kentwood, including bridge removals and MDOT work, and urged residents and commissioners to prepare for traffic disruptions.
Commissioners thanked DPW for emergency repairs and asked staff to pursue short‑term safety steps ahead of the scheduled reconstruction.
