A Light At The End of The Tunnel: Crafting a Safer Journey on the Fred Meijer Standale Trail

City of Walker

The Story

The Fred Meijer Standale Trail, a scenic 6.5-mile route linking Walker and Grand Rapids, faced a major safety challenge where it intersected with the busy Lake Michigan Drive, a key thoroughfare in the area. Without a designated crossing option like a pedestrian tunnel or bridge, trail users were left to navigate five lanes of fast-moving traffic at street level. This posed a serious safety risk, particularly for the many GVSU students and other pedestrians who relied on the trail for commuting and recreation.

Rather than choosing one of the less expensive at-grade solutions, the decision was made to construct a pedestrian tunnel, offering a safer and uninterrupted path for trail users. Inspired by successful designs in Greenville and the nearby Meijer Corporate Campus on Three Mile Road, this tunnel incorporates a plaza, retaining walls, lighting, and landscaping to enhance the overall user experience.

Collaboration with key stakeholders such as MDOT, Consumers Energy, and the City of Grand Rapids was essential to addressing utility challenges and ensuring the tunnel’s smooth integration into the community. The result is a practical, community-focused solution that improves safety while creating a welcoming environment for GVSU students, commuters, and recreational users alike.

The result is a vital, community-centered solution that blends practical functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring both safety and a welcoming environment for GVSU students, commuters, and recreational users alike.

Our Role

  • Survey
  • Geotechnical
  • Design Engineering
  • Construction Engineering

Contact

Jason Washler, PE
Project Manager
616-364-8491

Funding

MDOT Transportation Alternative Program -$1.9 million

Awards

Institute of Transportation Engineers, Michigan Chapter
Transportation Achievement Award, 2017

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