Cascade Township officials announced plans for a new pedestrian overpass that will span Interstate 96, providing a dedicated crossing for cyclists and walkers separate from vehicle traffic. The bridge is intended to close a gap in West Michigan’s trail network, allowing residents to travel more safely between Cascade Township and the neighboring community of Kentwood.
Project details and funding
The township will construct the new bridge alongside the existing Burton Street bridge, which currently carries vehicle traffic but is too narrow for comfortable shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. State funding of $3.5 million, earmarked specifically for the pedestrian crossing, will cover the majority of construction costs.
Safety and connectivity benefits
Local cyclists welcome the proposal. Kevin Cusack, a Forest Hills rider who serves on the board of West Michigan Trails, said the narrow Burton Street bridge forces cyclists onto a cramped roadway. “That’s a very narrow bridge, and anything we can do to eliminate bikes on very narrow spaces, I’m very much in favor of it,” Cusack explained.
Supervisor Grace Lesperance highlighted the broader goal of expanding pathway connections. “Connectivity is huge. People love the pathways, and getting over the expressway really gives people a great option to go even further and connect with other communities,” she said.
Construction timeline and traffic impact
Construction is expected to take four to five months, though the schedule could shift as the project moves through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s permitting process. While the new bridge will be built separately from the existing structure, officials anticipate temporary lane shifts on I‑96 and a possible single‑night closure to install the prefabricated span. Impacts along Burton Street are expected to be minimal.
Officials say construction could begin as early as 2027, but an official start date has not yet been set.
Looking ahead
The overpass is part of a larger effort to link West Michigan’s trail system, which currently contains many disconnected segments. Cusack noted, “We have a lot of trails, unfortunately, that don’t connect, and we need to make connections.” He hopes that additional projects like the Burton Street overpass will eventually allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel farther without being forced onto busy roads.
By providing a safe, dedicated crossing, the township aims to encourage more active transportation, support healthy lifestyles, and strengthen ties between neighboring communities.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
