New Michigan Street redesign hoped to be a trendsetter

• Tweet
• 

A new design for three blocks of Michigan Street is predicted to be a trendsetter for future street redesigns in Mount Pleasant.

Duane Ellis, director of the city’s Department of Public Works, said the redesign, planned for the area between Mission and Fancher streets, is the first of many aimed at improving pedestrian walkability.

“It’s kind of a pilot approach we’re doing,” he said. “This is the first section we’re using it on.”

The new look of Michigan Street will feature narrower driving lanes, bump-out parking, new bike lanes and wider sidewalks, according to the city’s Web site.

The redesign is scheduled to begin in early June and last through the end of April.

Ellis said the design would ideally slow down the speed of traffic, making Michigan Street safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Business impact

Lonnie DeRosia, co-store manager of Biggby Coffee, said he is concerned the redesign could affect the entrances of the coffee shop, which sits at the corner of Michigan and Mission Street.

“People will have to take alternative routes during construction,” he said. “Everybody hates construction.”

But the outcome could be more positive — he said the project might create some traffic flow through the area and even help out business.

Construction is scheduled to take place between early June and the end of August.

The cost of the project is estimated to be around $400,000. Ellis said some funding will come from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other funds have come down through the Michigan Department of Transportation.

“They’re paying about 80 percent of the costs,” Ellis said.

The new redesign of Michigan Street also will increase the green area along the road and decrease the amount of pavement.