Train Bridge Mural Project

The Ada Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has engaged with Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts (LRCFA) to implement its first Public Art Initiative. As a part of its capital improvements, the DDA has budgeted $67,000 in FY23/24 for the installation of artist murals on the two train bridges that run over Thornapple River Dr. and Ada Dr. within the Development District. Local artists, Christina Hutton and David Battjes, have been commissioned to paint murals on the train bridges that run over Ada Drive and Thornapple River Drive. The Ada Drive train bridge will see a complete transformation of both the train trestle and concrete walls. The Thornapple River Drive train bridge will see a transformation of the just the trestle. Artists are expected to begin painting the murals starting on Saturday, June 17 and be completed before the end of the month. Full Project Details: lionsandrabbits.com/blog/ada-railroad-murals.

Upcoming Road Closures:

Thornapple River Dr SE will be closed to through-traffic from Saturday, June 17 to Monday, June 19. We’re anticipating that painting will take place between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm. Kamp Twins Rd SE and Fase St SE will be utilized for this detour. There will be no overnight road closures. Thornapple River Dr SE will open back up to through traffic when painting ends for the day.

Ada Dr SE will be closed to through-traffic at the vehicular train trestle starting on Tuesday, June 20. A full schedule has been provided below. We anticipate painting to take place between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm. Alta Dale Ave SE and Fulton St E will be utilized for this detour. All downtown businesses will be open during their regular scheduled hours throughout the road closure timeframe. Vehicles and pedestrians can utilize Ada Dr SE (to the east of the train trestle) to access downtown businesses but will not be able to travel east or westbound under the vehicular train trestle during the closure. There will be no overnight closure. Ada Dr SE at the train trestle will open back up to through traffic when painting ends for the day.

Full Ada Dr SE Road Closure Schedule:
June 20-23, Westbound and eastbound road closure
June 24-25, Ada Dr SE open for the entire weekend
June 26-27 Westbound and eastbound road closure

Please refer to the road closure maps provided for additional details.

We thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to the successful completion of this project. Please feel free to contact Kevin Moran, Ada Township Treasurer, at 616-676-9191 if you have any questions.