Blue Star Drain District

The Blue Star Highway Drain is an infrastructure project designed to address drainage issues along Blue Star Hwy.

Project Background

On May 11, 2022, a petition was filed to locate, establish, and construct the Blue Star Highway Drain.
Following a Board of Determination meeting by the Allegan County Drain Commission in July 2022, the Board voted in favor of the project, declaring it necessary and conducive to public health, convenience, and welfare.
The project has since been completed, successfully improving drainage in the designated area.

Purpose and Benefits

The Blue Star Highway Drain was constructed to:

Alleviate drainage issues within the designated Drainage District
Improve public health and safety by reducing standing water and flood risks
Support infrastructure improvements, including a potential sidewalk along Blue Star Highway for enhanced pedestrian safety

Drainage District Map

Sidewalk

The Township is developing a preliminary plan for installing 5-foot sidewalks on the east side of Blue Star Highway, north of the Old Allegan Road intersection, near the proposed Blue Star Drain.

Project Scope

The project includes:

ADA ramp installation at the northeast corner of the Old Allegan Road roundabout
Enclosure of the roadside ditch from 3277 Blue Star Hwy to 3319 Blue Star Hwy
Mid-road pedestrian crossing with signage, lighting, and ADA ramps on both sides of Blue Star Hwy
Boardwalk installation across the stream north of Starlite Resort
Retaining wall installation south of North Street/134th Avenue
ADA ramp installation on the south side of North Street

Key Benefits

This project aligns with community priorities identified in the Blue Star Corridor Safety Plan, where residents emphasized the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure.

Constructing the sidewalk alongside the Blue Star Drain District will provide significant cost savings by reducing duplicate mobilization and restoration efforts.