Construction of M-119 trail now being pushed back to 2009

Special to Harbor Light Newspaper

M-119 trail construction will be held over until 2009, according to MDOT Project Manager Hilary Owen.

"M-119 trail construction will be moved to the 2009 season," the project manager said this week. "There are some locations along the trail that MDOT and HARBOR, Inc. would like to look at with respect to some drainage work and separation from the road in the current drawings."

The M-119 non-motorized trail will be located in Little Traverse Township on the north side of M-119 between Pleasantview Road and Lake Street. Construction of this section of trail will complete the final three mile section of the Little Traverse Wheelway into Harbor Springs.

HARBOR, Inc., a local grassroots organization, has been working with MDOT to review the plans and coordinate with local property owners.

"Our objective is a high quality trail," said Danna Widmar, HARBOR, Inc. Executive Director. "The engineering work is nearly complete, however, we would like a little closer look at a few areas to make sure we get the best possible trail."

The funding is still expected to be allocated in 2008, but construction is now scheduled for 2009.

"There was a May 16 deadline for completion of all documents. That deadline would have allowed for fall construction," said Danna Widmar. "The decision was made last week to hold the project over so that we could get a better trail. We're happy to say that there are nine additional easements that property owners are considering donating for the good of the project. There are some plan amendments that are necessary before we are able to finalize those additional easements."

Wilcox Engineers of Cadillac is the MDOT consultant on the project. There was a public meeting in March that allowed property owners to speak with the engineers on the project.

"The deadline change also gives a little more time to work with property owners to improve the trail, whenever possible," said Widmar. Property owners have been asked to donate easements to save trees and create greenways along the road. Twenty property owners along the route generously donated easements for the benefit of the project. Nine additional easements are anticipated after the design is complete. Property owners may still contact HARBOR, Inc. to discuss the project.

For more information, you can contact Danna Widmar, Executive Director of HARBOR, Inc. at (231) 526-5060 or info@harborinc.org or Bill Dohm, Little Traverse Township Supervisor at (231) 526-0351.

This is part of the May 14, 2008 online edition of Harbor Light Newspaper.

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