The Little Mac footbridge on the Allendale Campus will be closed at noon, Friday September 6 for several weeks while contractors complete a maintenance project in the ravine below the bridge that began in July.
Consistent with Grand Valley State University’s ongoing effort to protect local ravine structures, a study was undertaken to map the shape and below-surface characteristics of the ravine over which the Little Mac was built. The results of the study – received by Campus Planning this week - show that erosion has reduced the amount of ground cover in and around the bridge footings, and replacement of the soil is needed. The study also recommends that the ravine slopes should be further stabilized. The bridge itself is in excellent condition, having been upgraded and repaired four years ago.
Contractors will begin work next week and have recommended that the bridge be closed while the project is underway. Alternate pathways, past the clock tower between north and south campus, will be marked with signs.
James Moyer, associate vice president for Facilities Planning, is supervising the project. “We apologize for the inconvenience, but we can complete the work more quickly by re-routing foot traffic. We’ll keep the campus community informed with progress reports,” Moyer said.
