The Big Rapids City Commission voted Nov. 10 to advance two MDOT small‑urban projects.

Staff said the Woodward Avenue culvert replacement and resurfacing project is designed and out for bids; Todd, the road representative, said the bid was shifted into the December MDOT letting ("I think it's December 5," he said) and construction is scheduled for next summer. The project will use small‑urban funds shared between the city and county.

Commissioners also discussed Monroe Street — the city’s last unpaved public street — as eligible for a portion of small‑urban funds that can be applied to local streets. Todd gave a rough estimate of $420,000 for the base work (curb, gutter and sidewalk on one side) but warned that adding utilities and other elements could raise the total toward $1 million. Staff said design would proceed this year to be ready for FY2027 bidding and construction.

Both items moved forward after questions from commissioners about timing, cost and coordination with the township and the county road commission. The commission recorded approval to proceed to bid/design and to use the small‑urban program as described; no final construction contracts were awarded on Nov. 10.