Rumble Strips saving lives on rural highways

Fast facts:

-  A new study by WSU's Transportation Research Group shows rumble strips on state highways are reducing crashes and saving lives in Michigan.

- Between 2008 and the present, MDOT has installed centerline rumble strips on 5,700 miles of two-lane high-speed roads.

-  In the crash categories examined, the study showed a 47 percent reduction in total crashes and a 51 percent reduction in fatal crashes.

-  In Michigan, rumble strips are expected to eliminate 337 crashes, saving 16 lives and preventing 62 serious injuries, each year.

MDOT Planning for Bridge Repair on M-14/US-23 BR Set for 2016

MDOT is holding a public meeting on May 12, 2015 from 4-6pm at Skyline High School Media Center 2552 N Maple Ann Arbor to discuss bridge construction in 2016 for M-14/US-23 Business Route over Huron River.

For more info, click on the link

http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDOT/bulletins/1019282

North-South Commuter Rail (WALLY) Public Meetings Set

The North-South Commuter Rail (WALLY) is a proposed 27-mile long commuter rail service that would connect Ann Arbor and Howell, with intermediate stops along the way. It is being evaluated as a way to improve mobility along US-23 and to promote economic development and job creation in the region.

A study is being undertaken by the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) to assess in detail the feasibility of the North-South Commuter Rail service. Results of this assessment, which includes in-depth public and stakeholder involvement, will be used to determine project costs, ridership, potential station locations, and the capacity and willingness of the affected communities to build, operate and help fund the project. If the project is found feasible, the study will help to prepare the project for future federal funding.

The first set of community meetings has been scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Thursday, March 12, 7-9 p.m.
Brighton Community Center
555 Brighton, MI 48116

Monday, March 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown
343 S. Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Contact: Michael Benhan, AAATA.
 

MDOT says "spring forward" means be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists

Fast facts:
- Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are encouraged to wear bright, reflective clothing to be more visible.
- In 2013, more crashes occurred in dark conditions (72 percent) than in daylight conditions (25 percent).

March 5, 2015 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to "spring forward" safely when daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Motorists should be aware that sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning.

            "Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."

            According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,735 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2013 and 66,000 were injured (7,000 of these injuries happened to children 14 and younger). NHTSA reports more crashes occurred in dark conditions (72 percent) than in daylight conditions (25 percent). 

            Motorists are reminded that bicyclists are permitted to ride on most roadways in Michigan. Bicyclists are reminded that, as legal roadway users, they are required to obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

SEMCOG University: Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

$5 million available through TAP for FY-2016

SEMCOG has recently issued a call for projects for the Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Through this program there is $5 million available for fiscal year (FY) 2016 for eligible projects, such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including shared-use paths and safe-routes for non-drivers; streetscape improvements; transportation-related environmental mitigation activities; historic preservation projects; and projects to encourage K-8 students to walk or bike to school. Please visit SEMCOG’s TAP website for additional information.

Applications for TAP are due to SEMCOG on April 27th. Eligible projects will be evaluated by SEMCOG’s Regional Clearinghouse Review Committee with award announcements made in late June or early July 2015.

SEMCOG and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will provide participants with presentations on:

• eligibility and competitiveness criteria;
• submitting a TAP application through MDOT’s MGS system;
• project selection process;
• successfully selected and implemented projects; and
• best practices and guidance for applying and implementing projects.

Counties, county road commissions, cities, villages, townships, transit agencies, nonmotorized planners, engineers, and school districts should attend.

Here are the pertinent details on this SEMCOG University workshop:

What:SEMCOG University: $5 million available through the 
Transportation Alternatives Program – agenda
 

When:March 4, 2015, 9 a.m. - 12 noon
(Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m.)
 

Where:SEMCOG Offices, 1001 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI
48226; parking in 1 State Street Parking Garage will be validated.
 

Registration:Required. Visit SEMCOG’s website to register for this event.
 

Contact: Kevin Vettraino, SEMCOG Plan Implementation.