Sweetman v. State Highway Department

Defendant appeals as of right from a determination of liability in this negligent highway design and maintenance case. Plaintiff has filed a cross-appeal claiming that the trial court erred in finding her 75% negligent, with a corresponding reduction in her award.

The subject highway is a portion of 1-196 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which leads into a lengthy (230 feet) overpass over Butterworth Street and a railroad track. The overpass is curved, and during a spell of inclement weather on *19November 30, 1977, had become icy and treacherous.

Witness Betty Sail testified that it was overcast, damp…