A $3 million project in Grand Rapids seeks to make walking beneath freeways a little nicer.
The Grand Rapids Press reports works starts soon on the project, which includes wider sidewalks, new lighting and trees along roadways under U.S. highway 131 and Interstate 196.
City Engineer Mark De Clercq says that it's been "pretty bland" through most of the underpasses.
He says the work represents good improvements for pedestrians.
Leonard Street at U.S. 131, for example, will get a wider, 14-foot sidewalk on each side with LED lights through the underpass.
A federal grant will cover about $1.4 million of the cost and the city's street tax will pay about $1.3 million.
Other funding will make up the rest.
