SERVICE REQUESTS
Report road problems to 231-922-4848 or email us at: gtcrc@gtcrc.org
WINTER MAINTENANCE
Salt prices have skyrocketed 18% over last year's price. Nearly 10% of our budget is designated for salt. How does that affect you? The GTCRC has typically used a sand-salt mix for snow and ice control, but this year motorists will see more sand. Salt has melting qualities within a certain temperature range, but sand will provide traction.
Motorists may see roads cleared, but not necessarily down to pavement. This will require old-fashioned good driving skills and proper vehicle maintenance, such as driving for conditions (lower speeds) and good tires (with tread and proper inflation).
GTCRC ordered winter salt early and will have a typical year's supply. But if winter features more snow and ice than normal, more days with early morning black-ice conditions or late day/week-end blasts, service levels will need to be adjusted to make it through the season.
Some long-term employees joined the rank of retirement over the last 18 months. These capable and knowledgeable employees have not been replaced due to declining funding sources. Our primary funding source has not changed since the mid-90's, provides no inflationery adjustment and is not tied to the fuel costs. How does this affect you? The number of miles to be plowed virtually remains the same as development growth has wained. However, the miles per plow route have increased meaning it will take longer for your road to get plowed.
PrintProject List
2008 PROJECTS
Franke/Silver Lake Roads Traffic Signal Installation - Elmer's Crane and Dozer will begin the road work associated with this project. The signal is expected to be operational by September.Garfield/Hammond Roads Traffic Signal - Equipment has been installed to provide left-turns at this intersection.
Twenty projects were awarded at the June 25 Board meeting to Elmer's Crane and Dozer who was the combined low-bidder for the projects. The competitive pricing allowed for an additional seven projects to be added.
Cedar Run Road and Gray Road, from M-72 to Harris Road - reconstruction. The project is being reconsidered, subject to acquiring needed right-of-way.
Hammond Road, LaFranier Road to Keystone Road - The project involves the westerly extension of Hammond Road with improvements northerly on Keystone Road. The railroad crossing will be grade separated. Road plans are currently in the design phase with construction anticipated to begin in late 2008.
Other projects being discussed
Three Mile Road, South Airport Road to Hammond Road - A public hearing was held in January 2008 to present the selected alternative to the public and receive any final comments relative to design. Project design for a five-lane is currently underway. This project is not expected to be constructed until after 2011 due to needed amount of right-of-way acquisition and funding requirements.
Garfield Road, Potter Road to Birmley Road - reconstruction
Holiday Road, east of Five Mile Road - reconstruction/resurfacing. Citizens and officials of East Bay and Acme Township are discussing establishing a special assessment district.
Four Mile Road/Hammond Road - signal improvements
South Long Lake Bike Path
"PAUSED PROJECT"
Hartman-Hammond Connection - We still receive many inquiries regarding this project. On August 4, 2004 the Board of Road Commissioners of Grand Traverse County passed a motion to pause the project. The pause was intended to allow related issues to be resolved before the project may resume.
One concept developed at that meeting was the formation of a study group with representatives from various county agencies, environmental groups and the public. This was the birth of the "Land Use and Transportation Study (LUTS) group. Most recently, this group, under the oversight of TC-TALUS, retained the firm of Mead-Hunt to begin a transportation-land use visioning study called, "The Grand Vision."
THE GRAND VISION
To keep current with The Grand Vision's various workshops taking place throughout the Greater Grand Traverse Bay area, visit their website at: ww.thegrandvision.org Check this site periodically for future meeting dates when results will be shared. You may also register directly for updates from the link provided above.