Monroe Street Reconstruction

Project Characteristics

The Monroe Street Reconstruction project, identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, will rebuild Monroe Street from Front Street to Bay Street. This comprehensive project will replace the existing roadway while introducing important improvements to traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility. The street design will follow the guidelines of the Traverse City Street Design Manual and will feature bump-outs at all intersections to enhance pedestrian safety. Additionally, the plan includes proposed parking on both sides of the street to better serve residents, visitors, and businesses.

Infrastructure Improvements

In coordination with the street reconstruction, significant utility upgrades will take place. The project will include updates to the water and sanitary sewer systems, ensuring reliable service for the surrounding community. These improvements aim to modernize essential infrastructure and provide long-term benefits to the area.

Green Infrastructure

To address stormwater management, the project will incorporate sustainable green infrastructure elements. Bioswales will be installed along the corridor to naturally filter and manage stormwater runoff, helping reduce the strain on traditional storm systems. Drywells will also be included to further improve drainage and enhance environmental resilience.

Mobility

This reconstruction effort is designed to improve overall mobility, balancing the needs of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists while creating a safer and more accessible residential corridor.

Project Timeline

The proposed project timeline runs from April 2026 through November 2026, weather permitting.

---

Willow Hill Access

The Monroe/Hill St intersection will be closed to all cross traffic beginning May 5, 2026. 

• Access Ramsdell at Bay St.  
• West on Ramsdell to Cherokee St. 
• Left onto Cherokee to Willow St. 
• Right onto Willow St. to Madison St. 
• Right on Madison St. to Hill St. 
• Right onto Hill St. 

The WAYNE ST. access only leads to our Bus Ramp area, depicted in blue on the attached map. NOTE: ONLY BUSES ARE ALLOWED IN THE BUS RAMP. No cars may enter the bus loop. 

Please slow down and exercise caution and respect for the neighborhoods being impacted by this shift during construction. Remember TCAPS Bus Transportation is an option for those assigned to a route.

---

Funding

The project total is approximately $4.5 million. 

Funding Sources:

Street Fund $1,871,000

Sanitary Fund $1,458,000

Water Fund $1,171,000