The City of Muskegon is exploring the potential benefits of a "road diet" for Shoreline Drive, aiming to enhance safety, pedestrian access, and waterfront connectivity. This initiative involves reducing the number of lanes on Shoreline Drive from four to two, a concept that has sparked both excitement and concern within the community. To address these concerns and gather comprehensive data, the city is undertaking a phased traffic study.
The Genesis of the Shoreline Drive Project
Shoreline Drive, a significant thoroughfare in Muskegon, was completed in two phases, with the western section finished in 1994 and the eastern portion in 2004. Originally conceived to serve downtown businesses and waterfront industrial uses, the road now carries between 12,000 and 20,000 vehicles a day at speeds of 45 mph and higher. Recognizing the evolving nature of the waterfront into an appealing area and the need for improved pedestrian safety, the city is considering a road diet to calm traffic and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes
The primary goal of the Shoreline Drive pilot project is to enhance overall road safety and pedestrian crossings along Shoreline Drive from Southern Avenue to Terrace Street. By reducing the number of lanes, the city anticipates a reduction in vehicle speeds, making Shoreline Drive safer and more accessible for pedestrians. This change aims to better connect the Muskegon Lake waterfront with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Mayor Ken Johnson has suggested that narrowing Shoreline could open opportunities for creating bike lanes, parks, or additional parking on the reclaimed space. He drew a parallel to the successful conversion of Muskegon and Webster avenues from one-way to two-way streets, noting how these changes revitalized the area.
The Phased Traffic Study: A Data-Driven Approach
To ensure that any changes to Shoreline Drive are well-informed and beneficial, the city is conducting a traffic study in two phases. The first phase, expected to begin in early October and last four to six weeks, involves alternately closing outside lanes in both directions, as well as inside lanes between Seventh and Terrace streets. This phase aims to provide preliminary data on the potential impacts of lane reduction.
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The second phase, planned for mid-April to mid-July of the following year, is contingent upon the findings of the first phase. City commissioners have emphasized that the second phase is not a given and will depend on the data collected during the initial study.
Data Collection and Analysis
The City has hired Progressive AE through a bidding process to create the study of lane reduction on Shoreline. Throughout the study, data will be collected to measure vehicle traffic and speed counts, as well as vehicle crashes. The analysis of this data will be compared to existing information for the area to help quantify the impact and cite any areas of concern.
Interim City Manager LeighAnn Mikesell emphasized the importance of gathering comprehensive data during the study. “What we really want to do is understand what’s going to happen when we close these lanes,” Mikesell said. “So, to me, success is just getting the study completed and having data that really captures what’s happening.”
Addressing Community Concerns
The decision to conduct a traffic study in two phases reflects the city's commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that any changes to Shoreline Drive are carefully considered. Expressing concern about community negativity over a study into narrowing Shoreline Drive, Muskegon city commissioners have added a new parameter that could halt it early. By dividing the study into two phases, the city aims to provide additional information and address concerns as they arise.
Financial Considerations
Dividing the traffic study into two phases has increased the cost of data collection and analysis from an initial estimate of $49,090 to $62,790. Commissioners agreed to pay the extra amount in its contract with Progressive AE on Tuesday, Sept. 13. In addition, commissioners approved $16,825 for traffic control devices, such as traffic cones, pavement markings, barriers, and planters, to be used during the first phase of the study.
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Balancing Perspectives and Defining Success
While city officials express confidence in the potential benefits of a road diet for Shoreline Drive, some commissioners have raised questions about the specific goals of the traffic study. Vice Mayor Willie German Jr. questioned the significance of the study and emphasized the need for a clear objective.
Commissioner Eric Hood stressed the importance of fact-finding, stating, “We’re fact finding, and once that fact finding is done then a decision can be made.” Mayor Ken Johnson added that the decision to pursue narrowing Shoreline will depend on commissioners’ perspectives on the acceptable level of delay and extra traffic on other streets.
Success Story in Birmingham: West Maple Road Diet
The city of Birmingham provides a compelling example of the positive outcomes that can result from a road diet. The Birmingham City Commission addressed safety concerns on a busy four-lane road with major back-ups, speed and safety concerns. Traffic studies had also showed that there was a large differential between the posted speed limit and the 85th percentile speed. Vehicles turning left on the through lane and vehicles traveling at varying speeds created havoc for pedestrians trying to cross streets along the route and for stops for buses and garbage trucks.
The Commission implemented a six-month pilot program, led by F&V, that reduced West Maple Road into three lanes with one lane of traffic in each direction and a center turn lane. The results of the 1.3-mile road diet were overwhelmingly positive. Data showed an overall average reduction of 38% in all crash types and a decrease in total accidents. While the volume of traffic remained unchanged, the average speed of vehicles decreased, enhancing safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Public Engagement and Future Planning
The City of Muskegon is committed to engaging the public in the decision-making process regarding Shoreline Drive. Any eventual permanent change to the roadway would entail a multi-year, master planning process and include extensive public engagement. The city has created a document that responds to frequently asked questions about the Shoreline Drive test project, which is accessible online.
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