Efficient transportation is vital in this era of globalization. The growth and vitality of the Grand Traverse region are at risk as roadways become increasingly congested. Efforts at alleviating this congestion by developing bypass routes south of Traverse City have been thwarted by concerns about damage to sensitive ecologic areas. Our firm, Pacific Engineering Consultants, has been retained by the Grand Traverse Regional Planning Commission to suggest alternatives.
We are suggesting the rather novel idea of a northern bypass of Traverse City using floating bridges across Grand Traverse Bay. If this approach is adopted, problems of congestion will be significantly relieved and the prospects of continued regional economic vitality enhanced. The essence of our plan is shown in the map below which shows the locations of the proposed floating bridges.
Pacific Engineering, based in the Pacific Northwest, has extensive experience with traffic solutions. In the Seattle area floating bridges are an integral feature of the traffic infrastructure. The proposed bridges for Grand Traverse Bay would be similar in concept and design to the Lake Washington bridges pictured below.
We welcome public comment. Please log your comments in the geocache logbook at the proposed location of the eastern end of the floating bridge project. Afterwards, please also log your comments online.
We look forward to hearing from you.