Recent damage to a pedestrian bridge over US-31 near the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park may accelerate its planned demolition. Kasey Cline from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicated that the bridge could be either patched for temporary stability or taken down sooner than originally scheduled. The incident occurred when a commercial dump truck, towing an excavator, collided with the bridge, leaving debris that fell onto a passenger car below. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
As part of an $8.5 million renovation project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the DNR has begun assessing the future of the bridge. The park is currently closed for renovations that are expected to continue through the 2026 camping season. Plans include a new entrance complete with a traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalks. Other improvements aim to enhance park facilities, including new headquarters, increased sanitation capacities, and better traffic management.
Despite public opposition to the bridge’s removal, including a unanimous resolution from Grand Traverse County commissioners advocating for its preservation, the DNR is proceeding with the demolition. Reasons for the bridge’s removal include its deteriorating state, accessibility issues, safety concerns, and financial constraints relating to constructing a replacement structure.
However, supporters received a glimmer of hope this week when State Representative Betsy Coffia announced that DNR Director Scott Bowen has expressed commitment to finding a way to build a new ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge. Coffia plans to meet with Bowen, along with State Senator Damoose, to discuss potential progress.
Bowen affirmed the DNR’s willingness to collaborate with the community to identify a suitable location for a new bridge after demolishing the old one. He highlighted that visibility concerns regarding the new traffic signal could dictate the exact placement of any future bridge. The possibility of a location arising from previous proposals, such as a Hyatt House hotel project, has not been ruled out.
Funding remains a significant concern; estimates for constructing a new ADA-accessible bridge have varied, with previous figures reaching as high as $20 million, later reduced to approximately $7 million. The search for financial resources is complicated by limited state funds and numerous competing projects.
One avenue being explored is the establishment of a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) in East Bay Township, which could potentially create a funding mechanism for various public improvements, including safer pedestrian crossings. Community informational sessions on this proposal are scheduled, and if successful, the CIA could bolster funding efforts for a new pedestrian bridge.
The DNR remains committed to engaging with local legislators, state partners, and the community to identify property and funding possibilities for what could be a vital infrastructure improvement for both the area and its residents. This situation exemplifies the balance between necessary renovations for safety and the community’s desire for accessible infrastructure.