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Temporary Closure of Northland Drive
Gives Way to New Greenway Connection
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (Sept. 17, 2026) — A major missing link in the Grand River Greenway is about to become a new trail connection in Plainfield Township. A pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive will provide a safe, accessible way for people to continue along the South Rogue River Trail and connect to future trail extensions along Cannonsburg Road and Pettis Avenue, eventually reaching Knapp Street in Ada. However, to install the main tunnel pieces beneath the roadway, crews need to temporarily close Northland Drive.
Temporary Road Closure Information
- When: Northland Drive will close around 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 and reopen before the morning commute on Monday, Oct. 5.
- Where: Northland Drive will be closed to all traffic from Cannonsburg Road/West River Drive to Belding Road, with the only exception being the intersection of Rogue River Road/7 Mile Road and Northland Drive will be open to east-west traffic only.
- Detour: Pictured below, a detour will route traffic via Belding Road to Myers Lake Avenue to Cannonsburg Road.
During the closure, crews will work around the clock to dig a 60-foot-wide trench across Northland Drive, install 19 concrete arches to form the tunnel, place storm piping and electrical conduit, and repave the roadway for reopening.
“We know this work is going to disrupt people's routines and appreciate everyone taking the extra time to follow the detour," said Kent County Parks Director Ben Swayze. "This tunnel is about much more than getting from one side of Northland Drive to the other. The short-term inconvenience now will give way to a lasting Greenway connection that people will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”
Funded entirely through $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars awarded through a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the project also includes approximately half a mile of new non-motorized trail along the east side of Northland Drive between 7 Mile Road and Cannonsburg Road.
For more information about this project, please visit the Prein & Newhof website. To stay informed about other projects and activities happening in our parks, please visit the Kent County Parks Department website.
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