Freeland Road Bridge Sidewalk and Lighting Project

Spicer Group was responsible for the design and construction inspection/testing for a $1.8 million project that included over a half mile of full reconstruction in downtown Freeland, MI. This project addressed safety concerns on the Freeland Road Bridge sidewalk, leading Tittabawassee Township to hire Spicer Group for a feasibility study and preliminary design. The plan involved removing the north sidewalk to construct a 7’ wide pedestrian path, enhancing railing height and guardrail safety. Initially over budget and delayed, the project was rebid in Spring 2022 to include street lighting improvements. Construction started in June 2022 and finished by August 2022, providing a safe pedestrian route between Festival Park and local businesses, and connecting residential areas to the regional trailway network.

The road improvements included widening the existing two-lane roadway from Second Street to beyond the railroad tracks near Webster Road to three lanes, improving traffic flow through downtown Freeland and the M-47 intersection. The project also included installing curb and gutter along the entire length, reconstructing parking bump-outs from Second Street to M-47, and upgrading all sidewalk ramps to current ADA standards. Additionally, the project improved the storm sewer beneath Freeland Road and included landscaping. A key cost-saving measure was the installation of a curb median traffic island, which prevented the need for a $250,000 upgrade to the railroad crossing gates.