Protecting pedestrians: How this innovative program is creating safer streets
The National Highway Traffic Safety Admiration reports an increase in traffic fatalities over the last two years. However, programs like Vision Zero have been adopted by cities around the country. The mission is to create safer roads for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.
Live stream: Detroit Grand Prix ‘Back to the Streets of the Motor City’ news conference
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will return home to the streets of Detroit in 2023 and organizers will share their vision for the future with a special announcement in the Wintergarden of the GM Renaissance Center.
See parade of public works trucks cruise Kent County neighborhoods for ‘Fleets through the Streets’ week
KENT COUNTY, MI – Residents in various neighborhoods recently watched a parade of big trucks and heavy machinery from their front yards in celebration of National Public Works Week which runs through Saturday, May 22. Several cities are joining the Kent County Road Commission for the “Fleets through the Streets,’” an event taking place in multiple communities around the county this week. “This is kind of our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community that we serve,” said Maura Lamoreaux, communications manager for the Kent County Road Commission. The road commission posted parade route maps and schedules for each area in advance. Still, some residents were surprised by the parade, while others were anticipating the event and sitting out with chairs and blankets.
mlive.comDowntown Ann Arbor streets closing Thursday to make more space for businesses, pedestrians
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Starting Thursday, several streets in downtown Ann Arbor will close to cars allowing for more outdoor dining and shopping during the spring and summer. The Downtown Ann Arbor Pedestrian Mall will provide additional space facilitating safer physical distancing practices as community members visit businesses and restaurants. The closures will run from Thursday, April 1 to August 30. This year, some streets will be closed every day of the week while other closures will only take place from 4 p.m. on Thursdays to 6 a.m. on Mondays. Here’s which streets will close:Week-long closures:Washington Street from Ashley Street to Main StreetMaynard Street on the east side or northbound portion between Liberty to William streetsThursdays at 4 p.m. to Mondays at 6 a.m.:Main Street between William to Washington streetsEast Liberty Street from Ashley Street to Fourth AvenueLiberty Street between Maynard to State streetsState Street from Washington Street to William StreetDue to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, similar street closures first took place in the summer of 2020.
Detroit Mayor Duggan: 85% of city streets cleared, contractors face penalties
DETROIT – A majority of residential streets in Detroit have already been cleared of snow, but Detroit did not meet its 24-hour goal of clearing the streets. Officials said city workers with the Public Works and General Services Department will be joining to assist with the work that’s left. As a result, a portion of pay will be cut for city contractors who did not make their 24-hour rule. “A couple of contractors are gonna have a deduction from their fee because the city workers had to do part of their work. They’re hoping to have all the streets cleared by Thursday.
Detroit officers help seniors shovel snow after winter storm
DETROIT – Detroit city contractors are working to achieve a 24 hour goal, meaning they will have until 6 a.m. to get all residential streets cleared, so that drivers can have an easier time getting around. Sharon Pannel ,70, is one of the many seniors in Detroit not able to shovel snow from her own driveway. Who is going to shovel my snow?”That is where the Detroit Police Department came into the picture. To come out here and shovel the snow and we get a run out here. They’re asking residents to be patient as they have 1884 miles of residential roads to clear.
City of Detroit to plow residential streets Tuesday morning
DETROIT – With snow expected to be 6-10 inches high, the city of Detroit will start plowing streets Tuesday morning. Tuesday morning update:From the city of Detroit at 10 a.m.:City contractors began residential street plowing at 6 AM today; have until 6 AM Wednesday to complete workResidents asked to remain patient over the next 24 hoursDPW crews will plow and salt on major thoroughfares. Bike lanes will be cleared after vehicle travel lanes have all been removed of snow; accumulated snow in bike lanes will be pushed to the closest intersection and hauled away. “Some time tomorrow (Tuesday), you can expect to see the plows starting to come down the residential streets.”AdThe snow is also forcing the city to move Tuesday’s COVID vaccinations at the TCF Center to Saturday. Detroit residents can call 313-224-3901 to report if their street was missed after the city has announced it is done plowing the streets.
Grants to help fund EV fast charging stations in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. Do you have the juice to drive along Michigan streets, roads and highways? The state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) wants to make sure operators of electric vehicles have enough places to plug in. Nearly $1.7 million in EGLE Charge Up Michigan Program grants will partially fund 36 EV DC fast charging stations with a total of 76 plug-in points for automobiles and light-utility vehicles along well-traveled routes. Public and private entities still can apply for EGLE grants of up to $70,000 per station. Funding for the grants comes from more than $9.7 million allocated to Michigan from the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement.
Downtown Ann Arbor street closures to begin Friday
ANN ARBOR Starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, several streets in the downtown area will be closing to cars to allow for expanded shopping and patio services for bars, restaurants and retail businesses. Ann Arbor City Council recently approved the closures to help businesses facilitate safer physical distancing practices during the health crisis. The street closures will last until 8 p.m. on Sunday and will be put into place every weekend until Aug. 23. The closures include:Main Street from William Street to Liberty StreetMain Street from Liberty Street to Washington StreetWashington Street from South Ashley to Main StreetMaynard Street from East Liberty Street to East William Street (closure is seven days a week)East Liberty Street from Thompson Street to South State StreetSouth State Street from East Washington Street to East William StreetClosures to begin on Friday, June 19 include:Church Street from South University to Willard StreetDetroit Street from East Kingsley Avenue to North Fifth AvenueForest Street alley Like what youre reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!
City of Ann Arbor seeks input as it mulls opening streets to promote safe distancing
ANN ARBOR As the city of Ann Arbor reports a decrease in vehicular traffic by more than 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials are considering implementing changes to residential streets so that residents can practice safe social distancing requirements. City Council passed on May 4 a resolution to promote safe distancing outdoors, which includes street or lane re-configurations on residential streets with the publics input. Heres a Q&A from the city of Ann Arbor on the process:What does street re-configuration" mean? Residential street closures and reconfigurations will be prepared as an action plan for implementation, as soon as possible. Any changes to streets within the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district will include input from Ann Arbor merchant associations.