Update On City Bridge Projects

Construction on bridge projects is progressing in downtown Traverse City, with a temporary closure coming to the Park Street bridge this week for railing installation and the South Cass and Eighth Street bridges both expected to be completed in November. Here is the latest update on each of the four bridge projects underway, according to the City of Traverse City:

Park Street Bridge: Closed November 1-5
The Park Street Bridge construction began on June 2 and opened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on September 2. A short-term closure is planned for November 1-5 to finalize necessary items on the bridge, including the installation of end wall caps and bridge and pedestrian railings. The project included the construction of new bridge deck and an increased sidewalk width to nine-and-a-half feet from the existing width of nearly six-and-a-half feet. Pedestrian scale lighting and traditional streetscape were also included in the project.

South Cass Street Bridge: Anticipated November Completion
The South Cass Street Bridge construction began on June 14 and is anticipated to be complete in mid- November. The project includes bridge removal and replacement. Amenities include a decorative pedestrian railing and traditional streetscape.
 
East Eighth Street Bridge: Anticipated November Completion
The East Eighth Street Bridge construction began on July 26 and is anticipated to be complete in mid- November. The project includes the replacement of the bridge deck and extension of a watermain transmission line. Additional features incorporated into the project include the extension of the cycle track to connect with existing bike lanes, increased width of the sidewalk, decorative railings, and an aesthetic double arch fascia. The sidewalk under the bridge will be elevated and lighting will be installed.

West Front Street Bridge: Anticipated June Completion
The West Front Street Bridge work began on September 27 and is anticipated to be complete in June 2022. The project will include bridge removal and replacement and an extension of a watermain. Vehicular parking will be maintained along the bridge on the north and south sides. Amenities will include expansion of the sidewalk from the existing 7.5’ width to 11’-17’ in width, with a traditional streetscape that includes pedestrian-scale lighting and street trees. Aesthetic treatments on the end walls and a fascia to resemble an arch will also be incorporated. Vehicular traffic detour signage is in place around the area. The pedestrian detour will utilize the pedestrian bridge over the Boardman River at Pine Street to Garland Street and Hall Street.

City staff are coordinating the bridge projects with Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) s Traverse City Transportation Service Center and Local Agency Bridge program, the City’s municipal utilities and public services, the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), state and federal agencies, property owners, and water recreation businesses. The projects are being funded by the MDOT Local Bridge Fund ($5.2 Million), City Funds ($361,000), City Municipal Utility Funds ($680,000), and DDA Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds ($681,000). 
 
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic is asked to follow the detour signage around the bridges. The Boardman River will continue to be closed to traffic during the weekdays and open on the weekends as much as possible. Businesses in the affected areas will remain open and can be accessed by utilizing the pedestrian detours. The city is reminding pedestrians that each bridge site is an active construction zone and pedestrian detours should be followed. As sidewalks are poured and paving is anticipated in the near future, pedestrians should not be walking over the bridges for safety reasons.