The terrain and waterways around Traverse City have long provided challenges to provide east-west traffic routes for tourists and residents in the area. GFA worked with the Grand Traverse County Road Commission to extend Hammond Road to connect with Keystone Road in Garfield Township to provide an additional east-west route. From initial concepts, to surveying and right-of-way acquisition, to engineering design and through to construction oversite and closeout, GFA provided full consulting services for the project . GFA's design was challenged by steep terrain and multiple railroad crossings. This Michigan Department of Transportation funded project ultimately consisted of the extension of Hammond Road beginning at Lafranier Road and heading west, a new signalized intersection at the Hammond Road connection to Keystone Road, two railroad tunnels, MSE retaining walls, the reconstruction of Keystone Road from Birmley Road to Park Street, and numerous other associated improvements. Today, this connection serves as a primary route for east-west traffic that wishes to avoid downtown Traverse City.
