EAST LANSING, Mich.—Two new projects have been approved by the city council that could change traffic patterns for many in the Greater Lansing area. The projects mainly focus on Trowbridge and Hagadorn roads and switching them from four-lane to three-lane roads, with improved crosswalks and biking lanes.
The decision to reduce the number of lanes comes as part of a larger project in urban planning that was initiated for US-127 and Interstate 496, prioritizing pedestrian safety and seeking to mitigate traffic congestion.
George Brookover, mayor of East Lansing, emphasized the rationale behind the lane reduction projects. “Our goal is to create streets that are safer and more accessible for everyone,” he explained. “By reallocating space from vehicular traffic to pedestrian and bicycle lanes, we’re fostering a more inclusive and sustainable environment.”
The transformation of Trowbridge and Hagadorn roads represents a departure from conventional road design, which often prioritizes vehicular throughput over other modes of transportation. With the new configuration, each road will feature one lane in each direction, accompanied by a center turn lane, and additionally, wider sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes will be integrated into the design.
“These projects represent a paradigm shift in how we approach urban planning and transportation. By prioritizing people over cars, we’re creating a city that is safer for generations to come,” Brookover stated.
Erik Altmann, a City Council member, highlighted the significance of these changes for the community. “These projects reflect our commitment to creating a city that is not only functional but also enjoyable to navigate,” he stated. “By prioritizing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, we’re creating a safer and more active environment.”
The decision to transition from four lanes to three comes from research that suggests changing the number of lanes can lead to safer streets and reduced traffic speeds. By narrowing the roadway, drivers are encouraged to be more cautious, resulting in fewer accidents and improved overall safety for all road users.
Altmann added, “Our decision to approve these projects reflects our vision for East Lansing as a city that prioritizes the well-being of its residents.”
However, the transition is not without its challenges. Some residents have expressed concerns about potential increases in traffic congestion and travel times.
East Lansing resident Jonathan Exum said, “While I do think there may be some benefits, I feel like this project could cause chaos with the construction and limiting the number of lanes available. It seems like it would have the opposite effect, but we’ll see.”
Addressing these concerns, city officials have pointed to studies indicating that lane reductions often have minimal impacts on travel times, especially with improvements to signal timing and intersection design.
With a focus on safety, accessibility, and sustainability, the transition from four lanes to three on Trowbridge and Hagadorn roads signifies a commitment to building a city that prioritizes the needs of its residents.