Once again our state employees at the Michigan Department of
Transportation (MDOT) have dictated to us they cannot or will
not deviate from their “normal” traffic counting
procedures. They also announced there will no longer be seasonal
traffic signal changes in the resort towns of Huron County.
Of
the lights changed last fall, only the signal at Buschlen
Road and M-53 will return to a normal traffic signal in all
four directions. My encounters with that signal during the
flashing only mode were difficult. When trying to exit Walgreen’s
on a Friday morning, there was a long wait to turn left off
Buschlen onto M-53.
When
I visited the credit union location and attempted to cross
53 to Walgreen’s, I actually had to turn right off Buschlen
onto 53, head south until I could turn left into a parking
lot then turn around to go north back to Buschlen to safely
reach Walgreen’s. Multiply my experience by perhaps
thousands during the time the light was flashing and its
clear the state
got it wrong. I can only guess the normally heavy traffic
on M-53 in that area must have confused the traffic counters.
We can be grateful there were no serious accidents and
thankful the light was restored.
The
traffic light I encounter daily in Port Austin is another
matter. This intersection is not only the main one in
this resort town; it is where two major state highways (M-53 & M-25)
intersect. In addition, M-53 dead ends into a State Waterways
parking and boat ramp facility. During warm seasons,
boats on trailers approach the facility from three directions.
When the traffic light was active, there were often traffic
jams
on busy weekends. This year and last year, the harbor
facility
at Port Austin was closed, thus monitoring of traffic
at the intersection was inaccurate. The traffic counters
would
have
indicated little need for the traffic light.
An
article in the Tribune quoted Anita Richardson; “The
traffic light in Port Austin will become a four-way flashing
red signal and stop signs will be posted in all directions.” The
lights she mentions at M-53 and M-25 have been four-way red
flashing since last August when the state also installed the
stop signs. Perhaps Ms. Richardson is unaware of actions already
taken. MDOT also stated “Funds cannot be used to maintain
signals in areas of less need.” Does this mean
our taxes will be reduced because MDOT does not have
to service
our area
to maintain our safety?
Unlike
other sites under consideration for removal due to aging,
Port Austin’s traffic signals are only a few years old.
The cost of the recent upgrading, including all new pedestrian
signals, was paid by local Downtown Development Authority funds.
I understand from reports provided, once the lights are gone
it’s final and improbable that re-installation
will occur.
If
MDOT really feels the need to eliminate the only traffic
control at the tip of the Thumb, I hope they
wait to
evaluate and make that decision after the state’s
reconstruction of the harbor is complete and an
accurate traffic tally
can be done.
Perhaps
MDOT and the Michigan Waterways Commission officials could
sit down and discuss the need for
Port Austin’s
traffic control. MDOT representatives would learn
how much vehicle traffic increase is anticipated
once the
two-year
harbor reconstruction completes. Consideration
should be made that
pedestrian traffic was much heavier in past years
when the docks were in use and the breakwall
walkway was
readily accessible.
As
I see it, the closure of the docks and ramps has been a blow
to downtown Port Austin businesses.
Removal
of
the pedestrian
and traffic signals will result in another
setback. It is hard to maintain a business in a small,
seasonal resort
town.
Obstacles
created by the state, “My Michigan,” are
making it even more difficult.
The
traffic control signal in Caseville is another case of urgent
need, especially on
weekends and
during warm
seasons.
Beach goers, anglers and cottage owners from
Saginaw, and Bay City to the west; Port Huron
and Detroit’s
suburbs to the south and east arrive in Caseville
to relax and
get away
from traffic jams. The community has worked
for years to draw people to the area in an
attempt
to sustain
local businesses. They have established events
that are known
to draw thousands
of participants. Will the traffic counters
be installed to count during those times?
Are resort
communities
up north
such
as Bay Harbor, Petoskey, Harbor Springs being
forced to
give up their traffic signals?
If
MDOT is going to use traffic counters and injury or accident
reports to judge a
signal’s usefulness, please use the
traffic counting equipment during summer seasons as well as
off season (which is what occurred prior to the removal of
Port Austin’s light). We don’t
want to have an increase in crashes or
pedestrian injuries to occur
to justify
keeping our traffic signals (such as the
one at East
Irwin and North Port Crescent this past
week).
Once
again – Thumb area representatives
need to be urged to make themselves heard.
They must
plead with
the
state to
help our Huron County communities remain
safe and enjoyable for visitors.