Take the Share the Road Safety Pledge

Bicyclists are involved in less than 1% of all traffic crashes. Proportionally, however, they represent a greater number of fatalities than any other group of roadway users. This is why it is especially important for drivers to always pass bicyclists at a safe distance and yield to them before making turns.

Each year approximately 2000 bicyclists are injured in crashes in Michigan, with approximately 25 of these crashes resulting in fatalities. While engineering improvements implemented as a result of Complete Streets will help create a safer environment for bicyclists who use Michigan roads, more must be done in regards to education to help drivers better understand how to safely interact with bicyclists. 

The  Share MI Roads campaign seeks to reduce this number by creating an alliance between bicyclists and motorists to be more aware of each other on the roads, to obey all applicable traffic laws, and to respect one another as human beings.  

Click this link to take the Share MI Roads safety pledge and make your personal commitment to help make Michigan roadways safer and more comfortable for all users.

Share MI Roads is a campaign of the League of Michigan Bicyclist (LMB) in partnership with Transportation For Michigan (Trans4M).

2040 Long Range Plan Amendments Available for Comment

Amendments to the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRP) are available to review.   Comments on amendments must be sent to Nick Sapkiewicz  by March 22, 2014.  Click to view the program.  The Long Range Transportation Plan defines goals and objectives, and projects funding for transportation improvements in the County.  Click here to view the Long Range Plan.

MDOT Economic Impact of Bicycling Study

Student Bike Shop in Ann Arbor, Photo Credit: Andy Piper on Flickr

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is conducting a study assessing the economic impacts of transportation choices throughout the state. Along with a study team consisting of BBC Research & Consulting and Rory Neuner Consulting, MDOT is interested in learning more about the transportation choices and related spending habits of Michigan residents. MDOT would appreciate your feedback and involvement.  Click this link or the title of this post to view and take the survey.

Comment on WATS' 2014/2015 Work Program

WATS' Draft FY 2014/2015 Unified Planning Work Program is available for comment. The UWP guides WATS’ and TheRide's federally funded planning efforts. WATS encourages the public to comment on the draft document, which will be approved pending comment at the January 15, 2014 Policy Committee meeting.  Click here for the Draft UWP, or here to view our Administrative Budget.  View the full list of WATS' UWP's here.

MDOT seeks public comment on draft 2014-2018 transportation program

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking public comment on its draft 2014-2018 Five-Year Transportation Program. The draft document includes information about MDOT's funding picture and a list of specific transportation projects planned for the next five years in each of MDOT's seven regions. You can view the location, description and proposed construction year of upcoming MDOT projects on an interactive map online at www.michigan.gov/mdot5yearplan.

The Five-Year Transportation Program creates a continuous, interactive dialogue with the users of the state transportation system and anchors MDOT's project development and delivery systems. An integrated, multi-modal program that emphasizes system preservation and safety, it carries out the goals and policies outlined by the State Transportation Commission (STC). In addition to providing a list of MDOT-managed road and bridge projects, the document addresses investment strategies, funding assumptions, and economic benefits and impacts for all modes of transportation in Michigan, including highways, public transit, rail, air, marine and nonmotorized transportation.

MDOT presented the draft 2014-2018 Five-Year Transportation Program to the STC on Dec. 5, 2013. It will remain a draft program until it receives final approval by the STC in January 2014. The full document is available on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot5yearplan.

Comments will be accepted until Friday, Jan. 10, and should be directed to Bob Parsons, Public Involvement and Hearings Officer, Bureau of Highways, Michigan Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909; fax: 517-373-9255; or e-mail: MDOT-Five-Year-Program@michigan.gov. Alternative formats, such as print, large type and language translation, are available upon request by contacting MDOT's Public Involvement and Hearings Officer.

Huron/I-94 Ped Crossing Survey

WATS is managing planning efforts to design a non-motorized crossing on Huron Street over I-94 as part of Washtenaw County’s HUD Sustainable Communities grant.  Click here to fill out a brief survey and tell us your priority for a Huron/I-94 crossing location.  Additional opportunities to participate will be posted on the WATS website.

MDOT US-23 Project

MDOT is considering a $63.7 million investment in the US-23 corridor from M-14 to 9 Mile Road. The project includes: 

• Pavement repairs along US-23 and M-14 between Silver Lake Road and I-94, including upgrading the median shoulder along US-23 between M-14 and M-36/9 Mile Road
• Bridge replacement at 6 Mile Road, 8 Mile Road and N. Territorial Road
• Bridge widening at Barker Road and at the railroad bridge
• Bridge repair at Joy Road, Warren Road, and at M-14 over the Huron River and Barton Drive
• Ramp upgrades at N. Territorial Road, 6 Mile Road, 8 Mile Road and at M-36
• Installation of additional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) hardware, including cameras and electronic message boards.

During peak hours, vehicles will be able to drive on the upgraded shoulders.

On December 12, 2013, MDOT hosted public meeting at Northfield Township Hall.  View the presentation and video from the meeting at this link. You can also learn about the project at MDOT's project page, or in recent coverage by MLive's Ann Arbor News.