A major restoration effort aims to bring rapids back to the Grand River while improving habitat for native species, public safety and access to the water in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The broader plan covers 2.5 mi. of river, with a Lower Reach from Bridge Street to Fulton Street and an Upper Reach from Ann Street to Bridge Street.
Taplin Group LLC is carrying out the project with the Lower Reach construction now under way. Crews are slated to remove four low-head dams and replace them with two channel-wide grade-control structures built from rock, boulders and river material. The design also includes more than 125 scattered habitat boulders and gently sloping riffles.
Taplin is using a Komatsu HM300-3 haul truck to move boulders through the river and a Komatsu PC360-11 excavator fitted with an NPK DG-40 Demo Grab to place them. The Demo Grab's 360-degree rotation helps the operator orient each boulder in the riverbed. A sandbag cofferdam helps manage water around the work area.
CRC Contractors Rental provides equipment and support to Taplin. AIS Construction Equipment is the NPK attachment dealer supporting the job.
NPK Construction Equipment manufactures the DG-40 Demo Grab used on the excavator.
“As a construction equipment manufacturer, we take great pride in seeing our products put to work in unique and innovative ways. Watching our DG-40 help restore a natural habitat to its original condition, with such precision and care, is truly the icing on the cake,” Chris Salerno, vice president of sales of NPK Construction Equipment, told Construction Equipment Guide.
The new river features are designed to vary the flow, improve fish passage and create habitat for fish, mussels and other aquatic life. Removing the dams also is intended to address safety hazards and create more opportunities to enjoy the river.
Construction on the Grand River is expected to span two seasons and conclude in fall 2027, depending on water levels and weather.
For more information, visit grandrapidswhitewater.org
