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Council reviews $20–30 million conceptual plan to extend ITC corridor trail across Clinton River
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Summary
Parks staff presented a conceptual ITC corridor non‑motorized trail linking 14 Mile to M‑59; estimated cost $20–30 million pending crossing types and easements; council asked for feasibility design funding and recommended phased work to prioritize southern neighborhoods.
Parks Director Kyle Langlois presented a conceptual extension of the ITC corridor trail that would connect 14 Mile Road at the south end to the existing northern section near M‑59, adding roughly 3.5 miles to produce a continuous north‑south route within Sterling Heights.
Langlois said the extension would require multiple water crossings (including the Clinton River, Plum Brook and relief drains), significant roadway crossings on major arterials, and potentially varied crossing solutions (signalized crossings, HAWK signals, bridges or an under‑road tunnel for the largest crossing). Preliminary high‑level engineering and costing estimate: $20–30 million, heavily dependent on chosen crossings, exact alignment and easement status.
Staff recommended funding feasibility, design and engineering in the Parks Department FY26/27 operating budget to refine route, costs, grantability and phasing. Council members emphasized equity — linking south‑end neighborhoods that historically received fewer trail investments — suggested staged implementation (construct contiguous, lower‑cost segments first), and urged staff to pursue federal and foundation grants (TAP, Natural Resources Trust Fund, Ralph C. Wilson Foundation) and continue coordination with ITC and utility owners.
Langlois noted some matching funds are already budgeted for related Red Run Park work and that bridge work will be the principal cost driver; he said staff would return with refined engineering options if council approves feasibility funding.
