Michigan continues expanding active transportation infrastructure through federal funding aimed at improving pedestrian safety and community connectivity. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has committed nearly $1.4 million in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants for projects in Alger and Marquette counties.
The City of Munising received $908,386 to construct the Safe Routes to School project serving Munising Public Schools. The 1.2-mile project includes new sidewalks, refuge islands, lighting, signage, crosswalk improvements, and curb ramps designed to improve pedestrian access to local schools.
The project addresses safety concerns along the M-28 corridor, where elementary and secondary school facilities are located within the community.
The City of Marquette was awarded $482,864 to extend the Wilson Street multi-use path. The separated pathway will improve connections between residential neighborhoods, senior housing, grocery stores, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, and other destinations throughout the city.
The Transportation Alternatives Program provides federal funding for projects that improve walking, bicycling, and other nonmotorized transportation facilities. MDOT's current commitments reserve federal transportation funds for approved projects pending final implementation.
The Munising project focuses on enhancing pedestrian safety for students and residents, while the Marquette pathway extension supports broader community mobility by expanding access to existing trail networks and essential services.
MDOT noted that communities can apply for Transportation Alternatives Program funding through three application cycles each year.
State and federal investments in sidewalks, pathways, and pedestrian infrastructure continue creating opportunities for civil contractors, site development firms, and transportation construction companies. Safe Routes to School improvements and shared-use pathway projects also help communities enhance accessibility, strengthen multimodal transportation networks, and support long-term economic development through infrastructure investment.
