$1.9M in MDOT Funds Allocated for West Michigan Projects

Road safety improvements and new pedestrian infrastructure coming to several communities

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:50pm

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The Michigan Department of Transportation is distributing $6 million in funding for various road safety and pedestrian infrastructure projects across the state, with nearly $1.9 million going towards three initiatives in West Michigan. The grants will support sidewalk construction at Reeths-Puffer Schools in Muskegon Township, separated pathway construction on the Blue Star Trail in Van Buren County, and the building of a separated pathway, boardwalk, and pedestrian bridge in Berrien County.

Why it matters

These MDOT grants will help improve road safety and expand pedestrian access in several West Michigan communities, addressing transportation needs and promoting walkability in the region. The funding supports a broader statewide effort to invest in infrastructure that enhances safety and connectivity for all road users.

The details

The $6 million in MDOT funding is being allocated across several projects in different Michigan counties. In West Michigan, a $945,000 grant will go towards sidewalk construction at Reeths-Puffer Schools in Muskegon Township, $351,828 will fund separated pathway construction on the Blue Star Trail in Van Buren County, and $620,034 is earmarked for building a separated pathway, boardwalk, and pedestrian bridge in Berrien County. Additional projects receiving MDOT grants include a $708,000 allocation to build a segment of the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit, connecting it to a pedestrian bridge that's part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

  • The MDOT funding was announced on March 16, 2026.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Michigan's transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and pedestrian facilities.

Reeths-Puffer Schools

A public school district located in Muskegon Township, Michigan.

Blue Star Trail

A recreational trail in Van Buren County, Michigan that is being expanded with the help of MDOT funding.

Berrien County

A county in southwest Michigan that is receiving MDOT funding for a new pedestrian infrastructure project.

Joe Louis Greenway

A planned 27.5-mile greenway trail network in Detroit, Michigan that will connect several neighborhoods and communities.

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The takeaway

These MDOT grants demonstrate the state's commitment to improving transportation safety and accessibility across Michigan, with a focus on expanding pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity in West Michigan communities.