New traffic light slated for Munising

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MUNISING - When a new traffic light is installed at one of Munising's busiest downtown intersections next spring, it will be the only full-sequence signal operating in Alger County.

After more than two decades of lobbying efforts by city officials, the signal will be erected at the corner of Elm Avenue and M-28. The light will be governed by sensors installed along Elm Avenue. Pedestrian crosswalk lights and push-buttons and wheelchair corner ramps are also planned.

The intersection and the traffic signal set-up are being designed to meet Michigan Department of Transportation specifications.

In anticipation of the signal being installed, MDOT crews reconfigured the traffic lane scheme last week, painting new highway lane lines from the Anna River bridge along Alger County Highway 58 and M-28 to the west side of town.

The repainted four-lane section of M-28 removes an eastbound passing lane in favor of a new center left-turn lane. There are now two westbound through-traffic lanes, one center left-turn lane and one eastbound through-traffic lane.

So far, numerous drivers have been observed disregarding the new lane lines and driving east in the left-turn lane as though it was still a passing lane.

Others have stopped in the westbound passing lane to turn left.

Munising City Manager Doug Bovin said motorists and residents have so far offered a range of reactions to the new lane changes.

"I've been told everything from 'This is a disaster,' to 'Boy, it's about time," Bovin said. "It's going to take time. It's a major change."

South of the M-28 and H-58 intersection-where M-28 makes a 90-degree turn-the four-lane section has been converted to one southbound lane, a center left turn lane, one northbound lane, and one northbound right-turn-only lane.

MDOT officials said the new lane schemes will improve traffic flow.

"Once motorists adjust to the new pavement markings, traffic should flow through Munising more smoothly, particularly at the H-58 intersection," said Jack Bedard, MDOT's Escanaba Transportation Service Center manager.

Bovin said MDOT officials wanted the new lane lines painted as soon as possible to help motorists get used to the changes before the traffic light is installed.

In other communities, where similar changes have been made, at least some traffic accidents have been reported, Bovin said.

Bovin said the lane changes and traffic signal should reduce speeds through the downtown area and make it easier for pedestrians to cross M-28 to city hall, Bayshore Park and businesses.

City officials have secured a 10-year low-interest loan from a local bank to pay for the $140,000 traffic signal's engineering, design and installation costs.