State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) speaks at the ribbon cutting, signaling the completion of the U.S. 31/M-72 improvement project.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Oct. 28, 2024 — State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City) joined the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); local, state, and federal partners; and stakeholders today for a ribbon cutting of the completed US-31/M-72 (Front Street and Grandview Parkway) project in Traverse City.
“This project represents the first time Grandview Parkway has had a full overhaul since the Eisenhower years, and not only has it supported hundreds of well-paying jobs in our community, but in the long term, it will also provide much-needed infrastructure upgrades and improvements locals and visitors alike will benefit from,” Coffia said. “We’re continuing to fix the damn roads, bridges, bike paths and underground infrastructure to boot, while promoting safety and accessibility on our roadways. And we’re doing it ahead of schedule thanks to the excellent partnership and collaboration between community, state and federal leaders.”
Features of the project include underground utility work, new sidewalks and paving of lanes. In addition to rebuilding the roadway, this project also included replacing concrete curb and gutter, upgrading sidewalk and ramps, improving storm sewer and repairing the Murchie Bridge over the Boardman River. The project, totaling $24.7 million, was funded by a $21.2 million investment from the state and federal government, plus Traverse City’s contribution of $3.5 million to replace underground water and wastewater utilities as part of the contract. Based on economic modeling, this investment supported over 300 jobs. The project was completed ahead of schedule from the previous late November projection.
State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City), center left, cuts the ribbon along with Traverse City Mayor Amy Shamroe, center right, and other local leaders.