May 6, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will start work to convert the abandoned Harger Line Railway grade into a non-motorized trail in Saginaw and Tuscola counties, beginning Monday, May 12.
The non-motorized trail, which will stretch 9.5 miles through Buena Vista, Blumfield, and Denmark townships, includes paving, bridge deck rehabilitation, sign placement, pavement markings, aesthetic improvements, including adding park benches. The trail will stretch from Towerline Road to M-15. This work is expected to be completed by mid-November.
"In accordance with Public Act 296 of 1976, MDOT is offered the first opportunity to purchase an abandoned rail line and maintain it as a transportation corridor," said MDOT Delivery Engineer Louie Taylor. "MDOT purchased one section of the Harger Line, stretching from Airport west to M-15, from Rail America in June 2005, and acquired another section, from Towerline Road west to Airport Road, in 2007."
"The project is funded using federal transportation enhancement funds, which cannot be used for street or roadway improvements," said MDOT's Bay Region Engineer Tony Kratofil. "State Funding Act 51 of 1951 section 10K mandates that at least one percent of the funds allocated from the Michigan transportation fund be expended for construction improvement of non-motorized transportation services and facilities."
This $1.9 million project will serve Michigan residents by improving facilities for activities, including bicycling for non-motorized transportation purposes.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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