MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - If you’re driving on Okemos Road near Wonch Park over the Red Cedar River, you will notice the construction of a new pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Currently, there is only a four foot extended curb available for pedestrians to walk on, which the township feels is not safe.

“It’s not really intended to be a sidewalk,” said Raymond Severy, Meridian Township's Director of Public Works and Engineering. “When people use it in the summer it is kind of ok because it’s dry and not slippery, but in the winter, even after the snow is removed, it can be slippery. It’s very narrow and if someone were to fall off they’d fall right into the traffic lane.”

The Township Board unanimously authorized a contract with Toebe Construction, LLC at their meeting on September 16th. Construction began in early January for the 10 foot wide pathway, which will be built next to the current road as a completely separate bridge. The steel is being fabricated and assembled in New York and will be shipped to Meridian Township to be bolted into four sections in March, and will be open for use in April.