MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Orange MDOT barrels have been lining the streets as phase II of the Grand River Construction is underway. This phase includes the improvement of the section of Grand River between Michigan Avenue and Bogue Street.

MDOT spokesperson Kari Arend explained, "The biggest thing it is a resurfacing project so it will make the roadways smoother and safer for motorists. Anybody that drives it now especially the area on the east side, east of Hagedorn, can tell the rough conditions of the roadway is in. This will smooth out the roadways and gain make it safer for motorists".

Phase two of construction has made both lanes of traffic move to the west bound side of Grand River. Which has also made many side streets to be blocked off.

This project is also ahead of schedule which means the lanes of traffic will soon move.

"We will now have traffic all shift to the east bound side of the roadway, so we can pave the west bound side. That will take approximate two weeks" said Arend.

Workers are also working on the sidewalks to make eight foot wide pedestrian paths on both sides of Grand River. For the rest of the stretch of Grand River workers will continue resurfacing pavements, intersection improvements and signal upgrades. Phase two is said to be done at the end of June.