Group aims to enhance Woodward, I-696 interchange

PLEASANT RIDGE, Mich. – The Woodward Avenue and Interstate 696 interchange is certainly car-friendly, but some say it's not as welcoming to other forms of transportation.

Now, those people are proposing changes.

This part of Woodward Avenue, near I-696, links several communities together. Deborah Schutt of Woodward Avenue Action Association says the link could be much stronger.

"How do we get those people from Royal Oak to the zoo safely?" Schutt said. "How do we get those people from Pleasant Ridge to the zoo or to Royal Oak safely?"

The Woodward Avenue Action Association has been working with community leaders for months to come up with ways to make the stretch of road more walkable, bike-able and accessible for bus transportation.

"What we are doing is taking a look, now the car has dominated Woodward for years," Schutt said. "How we incorporate it back into a good transit system, the ability for people to walk safely who want to walk, and those who bike for long distances."

The WAAA will unveil its idea to the community Tuesday. After listening to the public's input, a plan will be sent to MDOT.

"Of course, a topic that has been talked about a lot lately is funding," Schutt said. "They have to have the funding to do it."

Howard Goldsmith owns New York Bagel in Ferndale. He's looking forward to hearing the recommendations for the interchange.

"The more people walking by my store the better," Goldsmith said. "It will drive business into my store. I think it will be a great thing."

The two public meetings Tuesday will be held at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center.