MDOT apparently has a change of plans as reported in a story
in the Huron Daily Tribune on Dec. 8.
William Mayhew, MDOT Cass City Transportation Service Center
manager, is reported to have said MDOT is studying traffic
lights in Huron County for removal. The intersections being
studied include three in Bad Axe, one in Pigeon, one in Elkton
and the only traffic signal in Port Austin.
Mr.
Mayhew was quoted saying, “A number of the signals
are in need of modernization.”
He
went on to say; “Last fall, a number of traffic
lights were evaluated... for traffic and pedestrian volumes.”
I
cannot address each individual light. However, I can say,
As I See It (and I did), the traffic counting equipment
placed
at Lake Street (M-53) and Spring Street (M-25) in Port
Austin the end of September was poorly timed. There
is very little
traffic during that period. Mr. Mayhew’s comments
regarding needed updates of the lights and crossing
signals could not
have applied to the four-way intersection in Port Austin.
A completely modernized system, including signals that
prompt when to walk for pedestrians, was recently installed.
The
system
should be adequate for years to come and the dollars
spent upgrading it should far exceed the cost of operation.
During
slow traffic times, the overhead light can be placed
on a flasher, just as it has been in years past. The
walk
signals
can easily
be disabled until needed.
The
completion of Port Austin’s harbor last summer
relied heavily upon the traffic signal to ensure
a safe flow for boaters
using the ramp area and the large number of pedestrians
headed to the waterfront. If MDOT was to consult
with the waterway
and state park commissions, it would realize the
need to keep the traffic control system in place in Port
Austin adjacent to the new harbor area.
After
reading the Tribune article that quoted Mr. Mayhew’s
interpretation of MDOT’s position about the
cost of operation and maintenance of the signals,
I had
additional concerns.
I
wondered if Port Austin had contributed to the cost of the
upgrading of our new traffic signals.
When I
contacted two
members of the Downtown Development Authority
(DDA) in Port Austin, I was told yes, and both individuals
were
distressed
over the recent placement of four very large
stop
signs. They expressed the signs were a distraction
from the
DDA’s
beautification project.
Should the traffic light at the intersection of two main state
highways be eliminated, I am sure accidents will occur and
a very dangerous situation at an intersection used by tourists,
summer residents, and local drivers and pedestrians will exist.
I am certain they all contribute via their taxes to the operation
of the traffic signals.
Regarding other traffic signals considered for elimination,
the signal in Pigeon, just as the one in Port Austin, is located
at a blind intersection and therefore presents a dangerous
situation if removed. The proposed removal of the signal located
at M-53 (N. Van Dyke) and Buschlen will present a hazardous
condition in addition to a detriment to the adjacent businesses.
I
witnessed two close encounters by drivers unsure of when
to enter the intersection
while waiting
for my wife
who
was shopping in Walgreens. A business inventory
of the adjacent
area of the intersection reveals two banks,
a drugstore, an auto parts store, and the
main access to a major
hotel and
credit union. Bank employees expressed, “We want our
light back!” In addition, Buschlen
is the avenue providing the eastside by-pass
around
downtown Bad
Axe.
Removal of other traffic lights along N. Van Dyke may be justified
due to the relocation of businesses and diminished need.
I stated in a past column it is ridiculous to rely on stop
signs because few drivers come to a complete stop when they
encounter the octagon signs.
Savings
by the state in operation of the signals mentioned could
not possibly
be
great enough
to merit the action
planned. Perhaps removal of yellow
flashing lights ON SECONDARY ROADS
could be considered. Some of them
have already been removed, but weren’t
they placed there to help save lives?
One life saved most certainly is worth a thousand lights.
Postscript: I suggest if you would like your opinion on the
above matter brought to the attention of elected officials,
their names and addresses appear on the Opinion Page of the
Huron Tribune and can be found in your local phone book.