A brand-new Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners narrowly avoided a decision this week that would have put the key road crossing of the Boardman River at Cass Road out of commission while gambling on an elusive and expensive bypass to connect Hartman and Hammond roads.
Traffic problems take on new urgency during Traverse City’s busy season as too much congestion hampers business growth, wastes fuel, and hurts this area’s quality of life. But local leaders need to fix our existing transportation network first before pursuing an expensive, ill-conceived, short-term remedy like a new Hartman-Hammond bridge.
Grand Traverse County road officials could adopt a policy that would symbolize its commitment to improving roads, reducing traffic congestion, and helping people get around the region efficiently.