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City approves MDOT TAP grant contract for M-24 tunnel connection; residents urge safety measures
Summary
The Lapeer City Commission authorized acceptance of MDOT TAP funding for the M-24 tunnel connection project on June 16. The project is grant-funded but will require a city match for engineering and uncovered costs; public commenters urged safety measures including cameras.
The Lapeer City Commission voted June 16 to adopt a municipal resolution authorizing MDOT contract 25-5280 for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to build a pedestrian/nonmotorized connection under M-24, linking Hampton Park and north-side paths.
Commissioner Swindell moved to adopt the resolution; the motion passed in a roll-call vote. City staff said the original grant was awarded for about $598,000 and that the state typically covers a percentage of the eligible construction cost (staff estimated roughly 84% of the project), meaning the city must fund the remaining share and engineering. Public works staff said the city's uncovered share, combined with engineering costs not covered by the grant, could total approximately $270,000.
Why it matters: The project will create a continuous nonmotorized connection beneath M-24 to improve pedestrian access to parks and trails, but it is a relatively costly capital project that requires local matching funds and ongoing maintenance decisions.
Public safety and design questions: At the public-comment period, Caitlin Olin, a DDA volunteer, asked whether the city has considered installing cameras in the tunnel for safety and police monitoring. "Would we issue cameras in that tunnel?" Olin asked, adding the footage could assist police if incidents occur. A member of the public who spoke later called the tunnel "a potential liability" if it reduces sight lines and said a nearby crosswalk within sight distance might be a safer alternative; that commenter asked the commission to weigh liability and cost.
Staff explanation and project scope: Public works staff explained the tunnel aligns with a pedestrian plan and will include a steep switchback system on the north side of the corridor where the path rises to M-24. Staff said the state manages bidding for the grant-funded project and that the low bid came in lower than the engineer's estimate, so the actual state reimbursement may be slightly less than the original award. The city manager and public works director said the city will be responsible for the portion the grant does not cover.
Outcome and next steps: The commission authorized acceptance of the MDOT TAP contract and the city will proceed with contracting and bid award under MDOT procedures. Commissioners and staff noted follow-up decisions remain on final design details, engineering costs, and whether additional safety features such as cameras will be included; staff invited public commenters to discuss specifics with staff after the meeting.
Context: Commissioners noted the project has been under development for several years and is aimed at improving nonmotorized connectivity; the city previously sought other capital projects and timing of construction was discussed relative to other street work.
