Tree Line Conservancy seeks council OK to issue RFP for ‘gateway’ engineering and signature bridge on Allen Creek corridor

Norman Herbert, co‑chair of the Tree Line Conservancy board, told the Ann Arbor City Council that the conservancy is asking for city council approval to issue a jointly issued request for proposals (RFP) for engineering and design of the northern gateway section of the proposed Tree Line Trail.

Herbert described the vision as a trail connecting the Huron River to downtown Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan South Campus, weaving neighborhoods and supporting pollinator plantings and habitat near 415 West Washington. The conservancy has acquired several parcels (including 410 Miller and 208 Chapin), holds agreements to use city easements through the floodway at 415 West Washington and 721 North Main, and says it has secured preliminary agreements with some private property owners. Herbert said Amtrak has executed a design‑phase agreement with the conservancy and that MDOT and Amtrak have indicated willingness to review engineered trail plans.

"Our vision for the trail is to connect the Huron River to Downtown Ann Arbor as well as the University South Campus," Herbert said. He described a proposed signature (wood‑laminated) bridge to cross North Main and an elevated approach near Depot and Summit Streets; exhibits shown to council were conceptual only.

Nut graf: The conservancy says it has secured key early permissions required to solicit a consultant for engineering and design work; many grant sources require ‘‘shovel‑ready’’ status and detailed engineered designs before awarding major capital funding. The conservancy and administration told council a jointly issued RFP under the 2019 collaboration agreement would be the next procedural step.

Council members and public commenters pressed the conservancy on connections to the Border‑to‑Border (B2B) Trail, access points and ADA compliance, impacts on adjacent homes where the elevated structure would approach private property, and whether designs would preserve maintenance access to the century‑old Allen Creek culvert. Herbert said the conservancy plans multiple access points (near the berm tunnel exit, 906 North Main and 721 North Main) and said private owners on North Main had granted agreements; he acknowledged some property owners live near the elevated portion and said community engagement with neighbors is planned.

Public commenters and some council members urged the council to prioritize safe at‑grade crossings on North Main and to make ground‑level pedestrian and bicycle connections safer even if an elevated bridge proceeds. Speakers including Adam Goodman and Adam Dziskiewicz said overpasses can be inconvenient and may discourage everyday users from using a trail if at‑grade crossings are not simultaneously improved.

Ending: The Tree Line Conservancy said it is prepared to request council authorization to issue an RFP for engineering and design of the gateway segment; Herbert said that step is required to become shovel‑ready and to attract major grants. The conservancy will continue stakeholder engagement and return with design proposals following consultant selection.