BLUE WATER BRIDGE PORT HURON, MICHIGAN. Blue Water Bridge Plaza And Corridor Expansion

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1 Blue Water Bridge Plaza And Corridor Expansion

2 Project History Traffic growth, advancements in technology and security concerns highlight the need for a larger facility. In 2002 MDOT sponsored Environmental Impact Study with FHWA. Recommended Alternative identified in 2009 Record of Decision. BLUE WATER BRIDGE

3 Local Community Challenges Loss of tax base Noisy Neighbor Community gateway Diverse stakeholder interests

4 Recommended Alternative

5 BLUE WATER BRIDGE Community Advisory Group (CAG) Environmental Study identified importance of aesthetics for the plaza and corridor. MDOT and FHWA response: Established the CAG Participants: Federal-FHWA, GSA State-MDOT Local Government- St. Clair County, City of Port Huron, Port Huron Township Consultants-Wilbur Smith Associates, HNTB, Inc. Community- Port Huron Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Groups, Historic District, Business and Arts Community, Bridge Plaza Business and Community Coalition

6 Aesthetic Design Guide (ADG) A document defining concepts for aesthetic enhancements. Combines community input and context to create the look and fit of the project. What is an ADG? BLUE WATER BRIDGE

7 ADG is a Valuable Tool Why have an ADG? Length of project is in years; not months. Project staff and stakeholder turnover. Need a consistent visual record of concepts. Provides the baton hand-off from environmental study phase to design phase. BLUE WATER BRIDGE

8 ADG Development Process Series of four CAG meetings from December 2008 to April 2009 Agreement that project should: Create a unique and inviting perception of Port Huron. Compose aesthetic elements that create a sense of place. Acknowledge the region s rich history while framing a future vision. Leave a positive legacy within Port Huron Create a wow statement.

9 ADG Development Process 1 st Meeting Identified five areas as priorities: Blue Water Bridge Black River Bridge Water Street Lapeer Connector Welcome Center

10 ADG Development Process 2 nd and 3 rd Meetings Opportunities and Constraints in the five identified areas. CAG comments and suggestions collected and incorporated into the Design Influences for the five areas. CAG members completed homework assignments and reviewed and refined conceptual alternative designs.

11 ADG Development Process 4th Meeting CAG members completed their conceptual design review work. CAG consensus on elements to be finalized in ADG. Completion of Process Final Document released in June 2009 Public Open House on August 26, 2009

12 Benefits of ADG Approach Broad cross section of stakeholders. Good discussion of issues in a productive format. Accomplished goals within the timeframe. Provided information needed for future phases. Allowed for adjustments due to site and fiscal conditions, while maintaining the spirit of the design.

13 ADG Applied on Freeway Corridor Implementation Opportunities: Landscaping Streetscape Storm water Management Bridge Railings Bridge Piers, Abutments & Retaining Walls Lighting

14 Landscaping & Storm water Non-motorized pathway and new landscaping along new Pine Grove exit ramp Storm water basin at Lapeer Connector with naturalized landscape.

15 Black River Bridge non-motorized pathway and railing treatment. Decorative Railing BLUE WATER BRIDGE

16 Bridge Treatments BLUE WATER BRIDGE Water Street interchange improvements.

17 Lighting and Streetscape Water Street at I-94 ramp.

18 ADG Future Opportunities Local way-finding signs Local visitor center International Welcome Center

19 BLUE WATER BRIDGE ADG Future Opportunities Plaza Expansion Status As funding becomes identified, re-evaluation of the Record of Decision is required ADG concepts for the plaza implemented at future date

20 BWB Plaza and Corridor Information For more information on the Blue Water Bridge Plaza and Corridor project please visit: Click on Projects and Programs and Studies Questions on BWB Plaza and Corridor Project contact: Kelby Wallace, PE MDOT Project Manager Phone: Questions on CSS at MDOT contact: Brad Peterson, LLA MDOT- Design Division Phone: