Goodrich- Write for the light if you think it’s right; That’s what the village council is asking.
The long sought after light at the corner of M-15 and Erie Street is up and expected to be functioning by mid-June, but only temporarily and in conjunction with ongoing construction projects. But Council President Ed York said the fix might become a permanent one if residents speak up.
‘From the different people that we have talked to…they’ve said that if you want something you need to write to your representative and a lot of times they take that stuff seriously,? said York.
Citing sight-distance hazards, some locals and village administrators have wanted the light for some time, and don’t want to give it up when construction projects end.
‘The intent is to make it a safe intersection. We want to keep both of the lights operational at this time,? said Village Administrator Jakki Sidge.
After two informal counts and two Michigan Department of Transportation traffic counts last year, MDOT officials determined the intersection wasn’t sufficiently dangerous to warrant a light.
Because of a steep hill located just south of the intersection, Sidge previously fought to re-open the case, based on sight distance, not traffic count.
Sidge argued that motorists trying to turn onto M-15 from East Hegel Road or Erie Street need to be able to see a minimum of 450 feet. Moreover, said Sidge, traffic traveling through the area at speeds higher than the posted 45 mph create a risky turning situation.
Additionally, citizens collected signatures to encourage MDOT to do further research to get a signal installed
Supporters hope the proposed senior housing development that would be built near the intersection will also help garner support for a perminent light.
State Representative David Robertson (R- 51st district), has come out in support of a permanent light at the intersection.However, Robertson warned the final call on whether or not there will be a light is left to MDOT.
However, a few letters and phone calls supporting the light as a perminent fixture couldn’t hurt, said Sidge.
‘We still need to meet the numbers that are required by the state,? said Sidge, ‘but people talking to their legislative officals would help too.?