TRAVERSE CITY — Grand Traverse County Road Commission crews began another round of road repairs, replacements and rebuilds Monday as the region moves into the last stretch of summer weather.
Among the list of projects facing county road commissioners this summer, the anticipated reconstruction of the Beitner Road bridge moved into the construction phase at the end of July. The Michigan Department of Transportation awarded the project’s contract to Anlaan Corporation on July 28, providing the state’s final stamp of approval for work to begin.
According to a statement published Friday, the Grand Haven-based construction company gathered with MDOT and Grand Traverse County Road Commission representatives last week for the pre-construction meeting to finalize the timeline of the bridge replacement.
Anlaan crews will mobilize the project site and begin delivering materials this week with active construction anticipated around Aug. 10.
“This project represents a major step forward for our community,” road commission manager Dan Watkins said in the release. “Beitner Bridge serves nearly 20,000 motorists every day, and we know how important re-opening this route is to the traveling public.”
The project went through multiple checks with the state, including its Natural Rivers Program that protects 16 designated river systems throughout Michigan, including the Boardman River.
“I’m happy to say everything’s approved,” Watkins said in a recent update to the road commission’s Facebook page. “Right now, we’re right where we thought we would be. … We could be traveling vehicles over that sometime in December.”
In addition to active roadwork underway on Garfield Township’s Franke Road, three more projects are underway this week on Three Mile and Hammond roads, Watkins said in another social media update.
The first of the three collaborations will see road crews beginning work on a $2.7 million Safe Routes to School project that will install a pedestrian trail system along portions of Hammond and Three Mile roads. East Bay Charter Township officials partnered with the initiative, which aims to improve access to schools near the intersection and will continue the region’s planned trail connection enhancements.
“The project will connect over 2,400 students at four local schools and offer safe and convenient non-motorized options to reach businesses and neighborhoods in East Bay Township,” a township press release states.
According to East Bay officials, 1.6 miles of infrastructure improvements, a new East Bay Corners Civic Plaza, lighting and landscaping are apart of the effort to upgrade pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow. It will also include safe crossings at Three Mile and Hammond roads and at the entrance of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School, as well as additional programming to support the investment at the nearby schools.
The proposed plaza — expected to be located near the True North gas station — would feature “an observation deck, native landscaping, ADA-accessible seating, a bike repair station, bike racks and enhanced pedestrian connectivity,” according to the release.
The Civic Plaza is also envisioned as a space for ecology-based educational programs, community events and a safe meeting point for students walking or biking to and from school.
According to the release, township leaders received funding from various state and local organizations to put the project in motion, including $1.5 million from MDOT; a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking grant totaling more than $796,000; as well as two $50,0000 grants from Rotary Charities and the Oleson Foundation. Local residents and businesses also donated easements for the construction of the trails.
The road commission manager said the second project set to start in the coming days will support the Safe Routes initiative, with county road crews expected to modernize the traffic signal at the intersection of Three Mile and Hammond roads.
The popular intersection has grown in recent years to provide access to gas stations, local eateries, township offices and the East Bay Branch Library, as well as Oleson’s Traverse City east location and campuses for Grand Traverse Academy, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Middle School and Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Cherry Knoll Elementary and East Middle schools.
The county’s road commissioners hosted a special meeting Monday night to review the intersection plans and traffic signal work.
“The intersection at south is going to be closed starting Aug. 10-15,” Watkins said in his update prior to the special meeting. “You will not be able to travel down Hammond Road or down Three Mile at that time.”
The intersection will be replaced, as well as pavement down to Carlisle Road and then west to Townline Road. Team Elmer’s received a $3.2-million contract for the reconstruction plans.
“The official detour for this project is going to be Garfield Road down to South Airport Road,” Watkins added, noting the entire project is expected to be completed by mid-September.
“All three projects are trying to get done simultaneously, so there’s a lot to try and make happen,” Watkins said.
Motorists are advised to slow down while navigating the roads and respective detours, and to expect traffics delays, lane shifts and intermittent closures.