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City of Adrian and Lenawee Now - S. Main Street Pedestrian Tunnel under M-52

Project Information

The Kiwanis Trail is an 8-mile Lenawee County trail, converted from a railroad to an asphalt and concrete surface ideal for biking, cross country skiing, in-line skating, walking, and running. The trail has been extended east along the Adrian and Blissfield railroad tracks and needs a safe crossing under M-52.

The tunnel will improve both safety and accessibility along the trail. Spanning 84 feet, its design draws inspiration from the nearby historic railway bridge built in 1867, incorporating stone veneer and steel bars. Additional features include benches, natural landscaping, LED lighting, and security cameras.

No local tax money is being used to fund this project. Lenawee Now provided funding for the design phase and assisted with grant procurement.

Contact

Project Manager and Designer – Prein&Newhof – Grand Rapids, MI
Dan Sorek, PE
(616) 218-2940 – Cell
dsorek@preinnewhof.com

On-site Engineer and Construction Inspection – Mannik & Smith Group – Adrian, MI
Justin Kirkpatrick
(734) 770-5425 – Cell

General Contractor – Dunigan Brothers – Jackson, MI
Superintendent (24-Hour Emergency Contact) – Drake Dunigan
(517) 936-9132
drake@duniganbros.com

January 16, 2026

Site work has begun on the new pedestrian tunnel crossing under M-52 (South Main Street) in the City of Adrian.  Work began this past Monday.  Construction is scheduled to be completed before Labor Day 2026. Lane closures may begin later next month, in mid to late February, on M-52. We will keep everyone as informed as possible with these weekly updates.

Progress Report

  • Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Measures were installed
  • The Kiwanis Trail was closed at Merrick Street and at Winter Street
  • Tree stumps were pulled on the west side of the road and hauled off-site
  • Dewatering wells were installed on the west side and activated

Upcoming Work Planned for Next Week:

  • Additional dewatering wells will be installed on the east side
  • Old utility poles will be removed
  • Excavation on the west side will begin for drain installation
  • No lanes of traffic on M-52 are anticipated to be affected until mid-February

Recent construction photos from the site courtesy of Mannik Smith Group:

Crews are installing dewatering wells on the west side after tree stump removal.

 

Crews are installing dewatering wells on the east side of M-52.

 

January 9, 2026

We are preparing to begin construction on the much-anticipated Pedestrian Tunnel under M-52 (South Main Street) in the City of Adrian for the Kiwanis Trail.  This tunnel will be just north of West Beecher Street and the rail crossing, and south of Cross Street.

This tunnel has been discussed and planned for nearly a decade, and much work has been done over the last few years with design and property acquisition to make this tunnel a reality.  There are a lot of stakeholders to thank for getting to this point, from community members, local, state, and federal agencies, public and private utilities, local contractors, and many more.  We are excited to work with the Adrian Community to see this project move forward.

Besides the planning and design that have been completed to date, some utilities have been relocated already, trees have been removed, and some equipment has been delivered to the site.

Upcoming Work Planned for Next Week:

  1. Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Measures will be installed
  2. Groundwater dewatering will be installed, and operations will begin
  3. The trail will be closed near Riverside Park and on the west side of M-52
  4. Work will begin on the west side of M-52 with stump removal, topsoil removal, and stockpiling
  5. Earthwork operations will begin with excavation later in the week to begin digging down
  6. No lanes of traffic on M-52 are anticipated to be affected until mid-February