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Council approves Transportation Alternatives Program grant application for sidewalks and gateway improvements
Summary
Council approved a resolution to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to fill sidewalk gaps and upgrade retaining walls and paths along US-41/North Lincoln; construction cost estimate $1.34 million with a city match of $268,000 (20%).
Escanaba City Council voted Feb. 6 to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to improve sidewalks, multi-use paths and streetscape features along segments of US-41/North Lincoln and Ludington. City staff said the project focuses on filling sidewalk gaps, adding under-rail paths, widening narrow sections, and upgrading large retaining walls with colored textured finishes to create a gateway into the city.
City materials estimate total construction costs at $1,340,000; the city’s local match would be $268,000 (20%). Staff said the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reconstruction project will cover some sidewalk work and that the Crystal Falls TSC has offered to sponsor the city’s TAP grant application and assist with parts of the application process.
Staff said the TAP application seeks improvements from the west side of town east along Ludington to Danforth with specific attention to the viaduct sidewalks near Bay College where walking connections are limited. The plan includes both standard concrete work and the option to select colored/textured finishes for retaining walls similar to existing bridges over the Escanaba River.
Councilors expressed support for the proposal’s pedestrian-safety and gateway benefits and asked for renderings to be provided before the project goes to bid. The council approved the resolution by roll call; staff said final design and bidding would follow only if the grant is awarded.
If selected for funding, the project would proceed through MDOT coordination and usual grant deliverables; the application requires council approval before submission to the TAP program.
