A proposed bridge over the Boardman River in Traverse City brought out lots of public testimony this week.
The Hartman-Hammond bridge would connect two busy stretches of road, adding another option for traffic traveling east and west across Traverse City.
Last year’s estimates put the cost at $100 million, but the public recently learned the price tag might be much higher — closer to $300 million.
The Grand Traverse County Road Commission Board heard comments for nearly an hour on Thursday night.
TJ Andrews represents District 7 on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners.
“I think we are unified in our horror at the number that has been floated out in the public as to how much the new bridge is supposed to cost. $320 million … is a shocking number,” Andrews said at Thursday night’s meeting.
Katie Kniss, chair of the Grand Traverse County Republican Party, was one of only a few commenters in support of the bridge out of the more than 20 who spoke.
“I think it’s much needed,” said Kniss. “As a mom … this bridge is going to be connecting a residential district to a shopping district. And it’s much needed for any parent that is trying to get across town to go to the doctor's, or to shopping, and groceries, or anything like that.”
Others in support of the bridge talked about heavy east-west traffic, congestion on Keystone Road, and a need for a bypass of downtown Traverse City.
Many of those who spoke against the bridge cited the 2019 East-West Corridor Transportation Study findings that favored pursuing a “mix of fixes” before a river crossing, including a reconfiguration of South Airport Road.
Opponents also took issue with the high cost, environmental concerns, and a perceived neglect of other county roads in need of repair.
Members of the Grand Traverse County Road Commission Board said they plan to pursue the bridge.
The road commission’s consultants say they’re working with federal and state agencies to finalize the funding plan required to move ahead to the project’s next phase.
