MDOT to host Blue Water Bridge Plaza aesthetic design open house

Contact: Janet Foran, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-335-7176

Agency: Transportation

WHAT: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to attend a public information meeting to review and comment on the Aesthetic Design Guide (ADG) prepared for the Blue Water Bridge Plaza expansion project. The ADG identifies opportunities throughout the plaza area and the I-94/I-69 corridor where aesthetic and other design improvements can be incorporated into the project. The ADG was prepared in accordance with a mitigation commitment contained within the Blue Water Bridge Plaza Study Final Environmental Impact Statement, to help offset the visual impacts of the project.

WHO: MDOT staff
MDOT consultant
Business and community representatives
Interested public

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009
3:30 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: St. Clair County Building Auditorium (first floor)
200 Grand River Avenue
Port Huron

Special accommodations: 810-985-5011 or 810-987-1388

BACKGROUND: The ADG was developed between December 2008 and May 2009 with extensive local input from the following stakeholders: adjacent neighborhoods, local businesses, Port Huron Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair County, city of Port Huron, Port Huron Charter Township, the Federal Highway Administration, the General Services Administration, the Historic District Association, Bridge Plaza Business and Community Coalition, and MDOT.

The design elements within the ADG incorporate a unified design theme for the plaza's exterior walls, retaining walls, bridge elements, street furnishings, and landscaping along the corridor. The design theme is accentuated by a vertical wayfinding marker that becomes a landmark, welcoming residents and visitors. Attractive plantings accent and tie together the overall design. MDOT will incorporate the initial concepts contained in the ADG into the design phase of the project.

The ADG identified five priority areas where improvements could be incorporated into the final design. Those priority areas include: the Welcome Center, Lapeer Connector, Water Street interchange, Black River bridge, and the Blue Water Bridge Plaza area.

MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.