Complete Streets Program

What are Complete Streets?

Complete Streets is the idea that whenever a community is doing a street project the usability for all users is considered (e.g. motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists.)  For example, Jefferson Street was repaved with extra wide shoulders to allow for bicyclists.  The City reviews the Harbor Country Hike and Bike Plan for each street project.  For more information on Complete Streets, please see the Michigan Complete Streets website.

In the City, we take the idea of Complete Streets to the next level.  All future street projects will not only consider motorized and non-motorized transportation, but also underground utilities such as municipal water supply, sanitary sewers, and storm drain; along with the rest of the parkway.  This does not mean we will always be able to fund all of these features, but we will strive to do so.
 

 
U.S. Route 12 Will Be Repaved in 2012

In 2012, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be repaving U.S. Route 12 from the easterly City limits (the corner of U.S. Route 12 and Red Arrow Highway,) then east to the South Galien River Bridge (near Hoder Road.)

MDOT will also be milling and resurfacing (repaving) U.S. Route 12 in the City limits (Buffalo Street) in 2012, beginning at the corner of U.S. Route 12 and Red Arrow Highway, then through to the western City limits.  The paving will take place after Labor Day – at the City’s request.  

Also part of this project is corrective actions at all U.S. Route 12 intersections where sidewalks are present, to make them ADA compliant.  This will require removing existing sections and replacing them to correct grade, with blue truncated domes placed at the ramp entry/exit points.  MDOT will be performing the sidewalk work this spring.  

MDOT will not be changing the four lane configuration.  They stated that multiple traffic counts show that all four lanes are needed for proper traffic flow through the community.  MDOT will not be putting in new sidewalk, underground utilities, changing light poles, the traffic light, or signage.


South Whittaker Street Will Be Repaved in 2014
 
The City has received federal Transportation Enhancement (Category D) grant funding to repave South Whittaker Street in 2014.  More information will be forthcoming as details become available.


Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape
 
Repaving North Whittaker Street and East Mechanic Street (Downtown) is part of the Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape Plan.  More information will be forthcoming as details become available.
 

 
Complete Streets Program - Goals:

FY 2011-12:  PASER, SR2S, St Cut Ordinance, Sidewalk Ordinance
[2012:  MDOT Scheduled to Mill and Repave U.S. Route 12 in City limits]
FY 2012-13:  Engineering work, Sanitary and Storm Sewer Assessments
FY 2013-14:  Repave S Whittaker St (TE grant); Sanitary, Storm, 1/2 Water
FY 2014-15:  Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape Project: Phase 1