THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE May 3, 2007

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor

Wayne County Bridge Closure                                                            

Wednesday May 2nd was surely a day our residents do not want to experience again.  I, like many other residents, was only able to get back on to the Island after waiting in line for over two hours.  The conditions were tiring and stressful for many of our Island residents, the flow of traffic was unbalanced because of the segregation of toll users and pass users, and the traffic problems didn't diminish until late in the evening.   Simply put, the conditions were unacceptable! 

Even though the Township has no authority to regulate the toll bridge or its operations, nor govern what happens within the City of Riverview, the Township plans to work with the City of Riverview, City of Trenton, County of Wayne and the Pay Bridge Company to get the flow of traffic to acceptable standards so that our residents can get back and forth to the mainland.

Wayne County has called a meeting for this morning (May 3rd) to bring together Grosse Ile, Riverview, Trenton, the County and the Toll Bridge Company to discuss the standards and practices which went into the apparent problems we experienced on Wednesday.  The breakdown in the traffic flow patterns at the bridge can't be simplified by merely stating that not enough people purchased the "pass" or the Bridge Company needs a permanent building.  The problem is the flow of traffic based upon taking some type of toll.  To maintain proper traffic flow levels for the mass of vehicles hitting the Island during the afternoon and rush hour periods necessitates better oversight, potentially opening up additional lanes onto the Island, and better traffic control direction/signs.  It is my hope that the emergency meeting set for this morning will help address these and other solutions.

From the Township's perspective we need to get our residents safely on and off the Island.  If it means we think out of "the box'" we will.  Whatever is in Township’s authority and control will be utilized and pursued by the Township. 

Additionally, the Township has tentatively scheduled a special board meeting this coming Monday, May 7th to allow residents to provide their ideas on to how to better the flow of traffic while taking necessary steps to protect the safety of our residents.  If the multitude of calls which I received on Wednesday are any example of the number of ideas which are out there, I am sure that our residents have many more things to say.  A formal announcement of this meeting will be forthcoming.

I would also like to thank the Riverview and Trenton Police Departments for stepping and providing aide for the situation which occurred on Wednesday.  It was through their help that allowed for traffic to roll a little bit faster.  We must understand, however, that their presence cannot last - for since the officers are being paid by the city, their budget cannot handle the levels of overtime.

Upon the conclusion of the County's Emergency meeting this morning I will provide another E Update to residents.  

The Supervisor will hold office hours to meet with residents each Wednesday and Friday afternoon and any
Monday that a board meeting is scheduled.  To make an appointment with the Supervisor, please contact Administrative Assistant Carol Knopp at 734.676.4422, ext. 210. 

Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisor’s E Updates, please send an email address to: KurtK@grosseile.com
Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News and on the township website or tune to AM 1700 Grosse Ile Community Information Radio.  

Any questions or comments regarding the information provided in this E Update, or other questions related to the Township, please feel free to contact Supervisor Kobiljak at KurtK@grosseile.com or at his Township Office 734-676-4422 Ext. 215

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