For Immediate Release
March 31, 2021
Westland's Shuman Sidewalk Project Wins 2020 APWA Michigan Project of the Year Award
Westland, MI (March 31, 2021) - The City of Westland Shuman Sidewalk Project has been awarded the American Public Works Association's 2020 Michigan Project of the Year Award in the category of "Quality of Life Projects less than $1 Million." Construction for the project was completed in on August 1, 2020 and the construction cost was $208,000. Funding for the project was provided by a SEMCOG grant through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which aims to support intermodal forms of transportation.
 
The project included the construction of an 1820-foot long sidewalk on the West side of Shuman Street from Palmer to Fairchild Street. Prior to the project, the existing sidewalk was only continuous on the East side of Shuman. The area was identified due to non-ADA compliant road crossings and its service and principal access to Adams Middle School. This sidewalk construction was also identified in the City of Westland's 2017 Master Plan as a priority area to increase sidewalk connectivity and walkability. The project also addressed drainage issues along the street through the installation of culverts under driveways along the road.
 
Construction was completed by Erie Construction, LLC. out of Woodhaven, MI and engineering was provided by OHM Advisors.

Receipt of the Project of the Year award from the Michigan Chapter of the APWA makes the project eligible for award consideration at the National level.
 
Westland projects have received significant recognition over the past 5 years including:

  • 2016: Westland City Hall, National Award Winner (Structures $5 - $25 million) for the transformation of a former warehouse to a new sustainable and contemporary City Hall
  • 2017: Newburgh Road, Downriver Chapter Winner (Transportation < $5 million) for road improvements between Ford Road and Warren Road
  •  2018: Parkwood Bennington, Downriver Chapter Winner (Transportation < $5 million) for road improvements and water main replacement
  • 2019: Central City Park Pavilion, Michigan State Winner (Quality of Life < $1 million) for construction of an open air timber pavilion providing 3,225 sq. ft. of covered space


"Creating a more walkable Westland by closing gaps in the City's sidewalk network is a core component of the city's Neighborhood Makeover Program, which launched in 2017," commented Mayor William R. Wild. "We are honored to be recognized, once again, by the APWA as this project serves as a critical component to increasing safety and walkability within the community."
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Westland, Michigan is the state’s 10th largest municipality, with a population of over 84,000.

Westland has been recognized as one of 24/7 Wall Street’s America’s Best 50 Cities to Live, offering residents and visitors an ideal blend of single – family affordable homes, apartments and condominiums, great schools, and access to numerous outdoor activities. Public safety is delivered by full-service, professional law enforcement and firefighting personnel.

Westland is well known as a premier destination for shopping and dining in Wayne County with hundreds of shops and restaurants anchored by the Westland shopping Center, one of the country's original four regional malls.

The City is served by two public school districts. Wayne-Westland Community Schools serving 12,000 youth was recently named one of the best schools in Michigan by WXYZ-TV and is the proud recipient of 14 Golden Apple and two Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards. Livonia Public Schools, educating nearly 15,000 students, is proud of their MEAP/MME scores that exceed State averages and the district has also earned Golden Apple and Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School awards.

The City provides competitive incentives for those who are interested in investing in Westland, making it one of the hottest investment markets in the region. Westland's Fast-Track to Business Team, which consists of key decision makers who work diligently to “cut the red tape” and expedite the approval process for new business development.