TART Trail Improvement & Extension Project

February 9, 2023

TART Trail Improvement & Extension Project

The public is invited to provide input regarding the improvement and extension of regional trail network

The City of Traverse City, in partnership with Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails, and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), will be introducing concepts to improve and extend the regional trail network that runs throughout the community.

The TART Improvement and Extension project is located between West End Beach and the intersection of Peninsula Drive/US 37 and Eastern Avenue. The plan elevates the existing TART Trails Network by enhancing the functionality and enjoyment of the Trail as well as extending its reach along Peninsula Drive from East Front Street to Eastern Avenue. 

The project is in support of multimodal efforts that aim to provide a more connected and safe trail network. The capacity limitations of the current non-motorized facility results in periods of congestion and user conflicts. To address this, the concept plan proposes expanding the trail width to 16 feet, with 10 feet dedicated to bi-directional bicycle use, and six feet dedicated to pedestrian use. The added width will address the capacity limitations and marking the pavement to separate pedestrians and bicyclists will address user conflicts by creating space for the modes which operate at different speeds.

“The TART Bayfront Improvement and Extension project not only provides an opportunity to address improved trail experiences along the bay, it also enhances and creates more meaningful neighborhood connections, increases non-motorized access to our parks and desired destinations like NMC and the Senior Center, and provides safer and more comfortable access to downtown. We’re excited to be moving forward with public input, along with our partners at the City, DDA, and Progressive AE for this critical trail project,” stated Julie Clark, TART CEO. The design and engineering for the project is in prepartation for implementation in 2024, pending funding. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) upcoming Grandview Parkway project created an ideal platform for collaboration between the City, TART, and DDA for re-envisioning how non-motorized systems can connect communities and visitors to hubs of culture, entertainment, and the waterfront in the city center.

"We're thrilled at the opportunity to both improve and extend a critical stretch of the TART trail. This highly used trail segment serves as a gateway to downtown from the west, and we're eager to make improvements that will benefit all users and better connect people and businesses on the east side of town with our vibrant city center,” says Jean Derenzy, DDA CEO.

Public engagement sessions are scheduled for February and March. Sessions will focus on different areas that are being targeted for improvement and extension. Participants will be asked to review concepts for trail extension as well as propose methods for enhancing trail quality.

“Public input is a crucial component in the creation of the final plan for TART improvements. By gathering the perspectives of our residents and neighbors, , business partners, and local organizations, diverse viewpoints can be leveraged to develop an equitable and effective design guiding the enhancement of the TART Trails network,” stated Shawn Winter, City Planning Director.

All session are open to the public. The schedule is as follows:

 

February Engagement Sessions

Virtual Session:

Focusing on Downtown and Peninsula Sections
February 15: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

In Person Sessions:

Downtown Section Focus
February 16: 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Governmental Center, Training Room
400 Boardman Avenue

Base of Peninsula Section Focus
February 16: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
NMC Innovation Center & Library (Formerly West Hall)
1720 College Drive

March Engagement Sessions

Virtual Session:

Focusing on Downtown and Peninsula Sections
March 15: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

In Person Sessions:

Downtown Section Focus
March 16: 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Governmental Center, Training Room
400 Boardman Avenue

Base of Peninsula Section Focus
March 16: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
NMC Innovation Center & Library (Formerly West Hall)
1720 College Drive

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