Bridge Construction

Through careful planning, the City of Traverse City began major bridgework throughout the City in June 2021. Bridgework was bundled to attract bridge contractors to bid on the project, drive competitive pricing and complete in the shortest amount of time possible.   The infrastructure improvements include the bridges on Park Street, S. Cass Street, E. Eighth Street, and W. Front Street. 

Bridge rehabilitation is being planned for the S. Union Street Bridge and N. Cass Street Bridge in 2023.

“As we embark on the fourth bridge project this season, three rehabilitations and one reconstruction, it is important to recognize that these projects are critical to maintaining the City’s major infrastructure. Developing increased amenities into each of the projects such as pedestrian scale lighting and wider sidewalks will make the projects even more attractive for multi-modal transportation methods. We are aware of the inconvenience, but ask the public to please recognize that these infrastructure improvements will serve the community well for decades to come.”

– City Manager, Martin Colburn

 

“In addition, staff has worked diligently to prepare for the rehabilitation of the three projects and the reconstruction of the W. Front Street bridge, and bundling the bridges together from a construction standpoint, has provided a project large enough to attract bridge contractors to bid our project and allows us to complete the work in the shortest amount of time possible,” says City Engineer Tim Lodge.

 

2022 Bridge Rehabilitation

West Front Street Bridge
Beginning September 17, 2021, construction began on the W. Front Street Bridge.  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 will be placed in the area. The pedestrian detour will utilize the pedestrian bridge over the Boardman River at Pine Street, to Garland Street, and Hall Street. The W. Front Street Bridge project will be closed throughout the winter and is anticipated to be completed Summer 2022.

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2021 Bridge Rehabilitation

Park Street Bridge Open
The Park Street Bridge construction began on June 2, 2021 and opened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on September 2, 2021. The project included the construction of new bridge deck and an increased sidewalk width to 9.5’ from the existing width of 6’ – 4 ½”. Pedestrian scale lighting and traditional streetscape were also included in the project.

S. Cass Street Bridge Open
The S. Cass Street Bridge construction began on June 14, 2021 and is open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  The project includes bridge removal and replacement.  Amenities include a decorative pedestrian railing and traditional streetscape.

Work on the decorative railing system began in March 2022 and is anticipated to be complete in April 2022. 

E. Eighth Street Bridge Open
The E. Eighth Street Bridge construction began on July 26, 2021 and opened to pedestrian, vehicular, and bicycle traffic on November 19th. 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.

 

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Funding

City staff is coordinating the project with Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) 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).

Businesses will remain open along the construction routes.