Q: What are the project objectives?
- Improve the east-west corridor for commercial traffic
- Improve the traffic flow and congestion on M-37 hwy by providing adequate spacing between major intersections (Main Street and the proposed alignment).
- Improve emergency access with a second bridge crossing the Thornapple River
- Improve safety for children and pedestrians, improve traffic flow, and relieve congestion
- Through the Thornapple- Kellogg school zone, west of M-37
- Through the Bender/Main Street intersection, west of M-37
- Through Downtown Middleville
- Improve pedestrian safety by reducing vehicle/pedestrian conflicts
Q: Why can’t the bridge go at Washington Street?
A: A variety of bridges crossing locations were considered, including Washington Street. All of the considered locations meet some of the project objectives. The Washington Street crossing does not meet several of the project objectives. Additionally, none of the current grant funding can be used for the Washington Street alignment.
Q: Is the proposed Finkbeiner alignment a road to nowhere?
A: The BCRC has received correspondence from the Allegan County Road Commission stating their commitment to the completion of their connection to the project. They are confident that they will acquire the ROW necessary to do so.
Q: Has anyone seen the “Indiana Bat”?
A: Currently the Indiana Bat has not been documented in the area, however, habitat within the Finkbeiner extension is potentially suitable due to the presence of 2-3 potential roosting trees and a riparian travel and foraging corridor located along the river.
Q: Do we have to pay back the grants we have received? Could we spend them somewhere else?
A: The funding for this project comes from a variety of sources, including Federal Funds, State funds, Grants, and miscellaneous local funds. The Grants can only be used on this project, on the current alignment, if they are not spent; they are returned and cannot be spent elsewhere by the Barry County Road Commission. The other Federal and State funds are allocated funds; they can only be used on projects such as this and do not need paid back.
Q: Will there be a speed limit on the road?
A: The speed limit on the road will be determined by the responsible law enforcement agency (Michigan State Police) in cooperation with the local governmental jurisdiction. A safe and reasonable speed will be set with road design specifications and speed limit determination criteria.
Q: Will there be a light at the M-37 Hwy and Finkbeiner Road intersection?
A: A signal at the intersection of M-37 Hwy and Finkbeiner Road is a decision that is controlled by MDOT. Currently, this intersection does not meet warrants for a signal. At such time the intersection meets the warrants for signalization, MDOT will then install the signal.
Q: Will our taxes be raised to fund this project?
A: The BCRC does not have the authority to raise your taxes. It is our understanding that Thornapple Township and the Village of Middleville have no intentions of raising your taxes to fund this project.
Q: Why is everything taking so long?
A: Processing and administration at the State and Federal levels are the primary reason for the delay in the project schedule.
Q: If the project proceeds to construction, who will do the work?
A: The project will be let for bid through MDOT and they will choose a private contractor to do the construction based upon the lowest bid.
Q: Will there be turn lanes at the intersections?
A: Some of the intersections will have turn lanes.
Q: What type of road will this be?
A: This road will be a Class A – all season county road exempt from weight restrictions. It will be similar to roads such as Whitneyville Road and Patterson Road.
Q: What entities have supported this bridge project?
A: The BCRC, the Village of Middleville, Thornapple Township, Thornapple-Kellogg Schools, Barry County Economic Development Alliance, Allegan County Road Commission, and our state and federal legislators, are some of the proponents of this project.
Q: Are there going to be wetland impacts?
A: Yes, wetlands will be impacted and mitigation for the impacts will be required for this project. The BCRC and Wilcox Professional Services together have worked very hard to minimize these impacts with the MDEQ.
Q: Who will maintain this road? (Village, County, State)
A: This road will be maintained by the Barry County Road Commission.
Q: What would happen if the project is stopped? Is there still a chance for a 2nd bridge in Middleville?
A: A majority of the funding will be returned to the Federal or State governments because the funding is designated specifically for this project on this alignment.
Q: Will pedestrians be able to use the bridge and trail system?
A: The preliminary design is not complete, however, the conceptual design has a separated sidewalk on the proposed bridge and an under the road pedestrian crossing at the Paul Henry Trail.
Q: Will this bridge really cause severe flooding upstream?
A: According the hydraulic analysis performed, the bridge will have minimal upstream impacts. The calculated potential increase in a 100-year flood event ranges from 0.01 (1/8 inch) at the dam to 0.17 feet (2 inches) immediately south of the bridge. NOTE: This temporary increase in upstream flood elevation provides a decrease in the downstream flood elevation.
Page Last Modified: March 3, 2008 at 2:36 pm
