Over the next couple of years, a key stretch of Apple Avenue in our city will see big changes. The project area goes from downtown Muskegon to US-31. Three major projects are planned for the physical road and the area around it. These projects involve different city departments, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and various work crews working together.

THE THREE PROJECTS ARE:

1. Redesign of Apple Avenue: Scheduled for 2026, MDOT project.
2. Lead Water Service Line Replacement: Happening in 2025, this project will replace old lead water pipes to homes. A City of Muskegon project with contractors hired to complete the work.
3. Corridor Improvement Plan: Writing a plan that focuses on the area looking better and encouraging businesses to open and stay.

These projects will impact many stakeholders. Apple Ave runs through six surrounding neighborhoods (Nelson, Jackson Hill, McLaughlin, Angell, Steele, and Sheldon Park), serves as a major east-west arterial street, and is home to a range of residential and business districts. Some of these include retail stores, restaurants, and service providers. Apple Ave also provides access to several community facilities such as parks, healthcare centers, and government facilities. We also anticipate that the stretch of road will change with upcoming housing developments near downtown Muskegon.

MDOT, city departments, stakeholders (like you) and work crews will coordinate their efforts to transform this important road and the surrounding area. The goal is to work together to create a safer, more vibrant neighborhood. See a summary of the projects below.

Redesign of Apple Avenue

In 2026, MDOT is planning to rebuild M-46 (Apple Ave) from West Webster Avenue to Home Street. Since 2023 MDOT and the Department of Public Works (DPW) have been working together to engage stakeholders in planning that reconstruction. At the May 13, 2025 Commission Meeting, the Muskegon City Commission approved resolutions in support of both the proposed street redesign and the transfer of Apple Avenue from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to the City of Muskegon.

Engagements Since 2023 for Redesign:

• 2023 | Two focus groups with local stakeholders. The goal was to outline a list of priorities that the group sent to MDOT.
• 2024 | City Commission Presentation + Comment
• 2024 | MDOT Open House Conceptual Plan Review
• 2024 | Commission Presentation and Resolution Approval
• 2025 | MDOT Open House Draft Plan Review
• 2025 | MDOT Public Comment Period
• 2025 | City Commission Presentation, Comment and Resolution Approval

The redesign resolution that was approved at May 13, 2025 City Commission Meeting can be visualed using this Google Map. The resolutions will be sent to MDOT as they move the project forward. Next steps include MDOT letting the project for bid and finalizing formal agreements later this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

Lead Service Line Replacement

In 2025, the City of Muskegon will be replacing all water service lines to each of the homes on Apple Avenue that have or once had any lead materials. This is being done to improve drinking water safety in the community and to comply with state and federal regulations. Grant funds will help reduce the city’s costs for the work. There will be some traffic impacts in 2025, such as lane closures. All homes throughout the city will eventually have this done. The stretch of Apple Avenue is scheduled to take place before the 2026 redesign by MDOT.

The project will be done by SWT Contractors, and they will need access to the homes along Apple Avenue to complete the work. More information will be sent to affected residents and property owners in 2025.

Corridor Improvement Plan

The City of Muskegon Development Services Division is creating a Corridor Improvement Plan for Apple Avenue, from Muskegon Avenue to US-31. This plan is a collaboration between the City of Muskegon, and planning consultant SEH.

While this is a separate project from the MDOT redesign, both will ultimately inform one another. The Corridor Improvement Plan will focus less on the street design and more on the areas adjacent to the street including sidewalks, driveway approaches, private property, and alleys.

Apple Redesign= Inside the curb lines

Corridor Improvement Plan= Outside the curbs

Are you a business along Apple Ave? The Economic Development Department will be hosting several business and stakeholder roundtables to build relationships with various industries. The business community is essential to the success of Apple Avenue, and we want to ensure they are informed about the various projects happening along the corridor.

From these conversations, we hope to explore the possibility of creating a Corridor Improvement Authority. This authority would enable us to utilize captured tax revenue to make much-needed improvements to Apple Avenue, including beautification, streetscape enhancements, marketing, and events.

On May 8, 2025, Apple Avenue Stakeholders gathered to discuss the ongoing road construction project and explore how forming a Business Improvement District (BID) or Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) could support the area’s long-term vibrancy. We were joined by representatives from the Lakeside BID/CIA and former members of the Downtown BID, who shared their experiences and insights.