The project is to construct a bridge to connect Meridian Road and M-30 in Midland County.  The proposed bridge would begin at Saginaw Road and extend south, over the Tittabawassee River to Meridian Road, at the point where West Wackerly Road becomes Meridian Road.

Meridian Road serves as the primary north-south route between M-46 in Saginaw County and where the road becomes M-30 north of US-10 in Midland County.  M-30 continues north to West Branch where it connects with I-75.

In May of 1992, a long-range transportation plan was prepared for the Midland County Road Commission.  This comprehensive plan set forth recommendations for anticipated traffic circulation for the next 15 to 20 years.  Four objectives were identified in this plan, with the primary objective being to provide for a north-south route over the Tittabawassee River west of Midland to reduce traffic traveling through the City and improve connectivity.  This project also will allow for safe and efficient movement of passenger cars, school buses, public safety equipment and farm machinery through this area of the county.  The need for this project is critical as described by the improvement in traffic flow, level of service, capacity and improved safety.

A bridge connecting Meridian Road and M-30 would improve the flow of traffic between M-46 and I-75.  This would eliminate a 3.5 mile route that is required for traffic to use Meridian Road as a north-south connector.  The capacity of the current bridge is approximately 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles per day. 

This route as proposed will provide another, shorter route for emergency vehicles to effectively provide services to a large portion of Midland County.  The 3.5 mile route from Meridian Road to M-30 will be reduced to 1.0 mile and will eliminate two 90 degree turns and an acute angle turn at Saginaw and 7 Mile Roads.

The current bridge over the Tittabawassee River serving the Village of Sanford is narrow and obsolete for today’s traffic.   When traffic shifts to use the new bridge the existing bridge will be adequate for low volume traffic. 

Need for this project is demonstrated clearly with a study of the traffic route required to travel from north to south in this part of the state. 

• In order to travel from I-75 to M-46, a route of 67 miles is necessary using M-30 and Meridian Road or 112 miles using US-27 and I-75.  The proposed project will decrease that distance to 64.5 miles and save an average of 4 minutes on a trip between these two locations. 

• Traffic on M-20 has increased from 14,700 in 1990 to 18,350 in 2005 with the increase in size of the Soaring Eagle casino, located just west of Mt. Pleasant on M-20.  This facility continues to expand, most recently with the addition of a 3,800 seat theater, the largest seating capacity of any theater in the state after facilities in Detroit and Lansing.  M-20 was widened and resurfaced in 1996, making this a more desirable east-west route in this part of the state.

• Improved bridge capacity will improve traffic flow in this area.  Larger, heavier vehicles will not require a detour.  This, in turn, improves emergency-response time by roughly 4 minutes and traffic flow in this area of the county.

For more information please call the office at (989) 687-9060.

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