Project Summary
The Traverse Area Recreation Trail, lovingly called the TART, along West Bay is an icon of our region. Highlighting the incredible shoreline and drawing visitors from around the world, this two-mile section of trail serves as the confluence of our regional trail network. Over one million annual users turn to this section of trail for transportation and recreational use. Michigan DOT is planning to reconstruct Grandview Parkway between Garfield Avenue and Division Street in 2024. The roadway project provides a generational opportunity to strengthen both motorized and nonmotorized connections throughout this popular corridor. The City of Traverse City, Downtown Development Authority and TART Trails are working with Michigan DOT to determine the scope of nonmotorized elements that can be constructed alongside the reconstruction of Grandview Parkway. Additional project phases will be implemented following the road work as funding is secured.
Objectives
- Expand existing trail width to 16′, with 10′ dedicated to bi-directional bicycle use, and 6′ dedicated to pedestrian use
- Implement safer road crossings and trail intersections
- Elevate and showcase the rich artistic and cultural traditions of our region
- Envision future trail connections for a more walkable, bikeable Traverse City
Status
Design and Engineering Phase
The extension of trail east will provide new community connections to Delamar, Sunset Park, NMC Great Lakes Campus/Hagerty Center, and soon-to-be constructed Senior Center all to the regional trail network and downtown. The improvements to the west will enhance trail user experience and safety with an eye on the next 20 years of trail use as the trails and use continue to grow. The plan also includes a trail on the south side of the Parkway connecting from Division to Hall Street.
Significant changes are called for along Peninsula Dr. to Bryant Park to enhance both the trail and residential experience and connect trail all the way to Eastern Ave. Design plans are calling for a completely reconstructed Peninsula Drive to Bryant Park which includes narrowing the roadway, curb and gutter, burying utilities and adding a separated trail. MDOT is taking the design ideas and looking to incorporate them as their base plans for a future road reconstruction of Garfield/US 37 up to the City limits at the base of the Peninsula.
City of Traverse City Project Page
August 2023 Update
At their August 21, 2023 meeting, the City Commission voted unanimously to support final designs for the project.
At their June 19, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved providing a letter of support for TART Trails to submit a grant application seeking $500,000 in funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporations RAP 2.0 Program for extension of the TART Bayfront Trail east from the Murchie Bridge through the Senior Center. The City Commission also authorized the allocation of $421,449 from the fund balance of the General Fund, contingent upon successfully being awarded the above-mentioned grant.
After a variety of input sessions in connection with the TART Improvement & Extension Project, the City received 60% of the designs. Final design are anticipated in August 2023, including final cost estimates.
May 2023 Engagement Sessions
A closer look at the proposed design for the Peninsula Drive portion of the TART Improvement & Extension Project will be presented. The third round of public engagement is planned specifically for the Peninsula Drive segment of trail between the intersection of Peninsula Drive at E. Front Street and Eastern Ave.
At the session, the project team and engineers will reflect on the input that was provided at the February and March 2023 engagement sessions, share the proposed design plan and objectives for the Peninsula Drive segment, and discuss next steps and anticipated timelines.
May 2023 Engagement Session – Peninsula Drive
Presentation at public input meeting May 30th
March 2023 Engagement Sessions
Recording of Virtual Session on March 15th
Presentation Slides with Design Concepts
February 2023 Engagement Sessions
Recording of Virtual Session on February 15th
Presentation Slides with Design Concepts
In November 2022, the Traverse City Commission hired Progressive AE for design engineering services between Garfield and Eastern Avenue all the way to Division St. Survey work and engineering is underway. Public engagement and input opportunities will be part of the effort in the coming year.
Progressive AE Conceptual Plan (2021)
The conceptual plan was presented to both the City of Traverse City and DDA boards for information and feedback.