Representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) held a public meeting at the Washington Street Education Center on Thursday, April 16, to discuss the possible construction of an about $1.4 million, one-lane roundabout at the corner of M-52 and Werkner Road in 2016.
According to michigan.gov, “As the result of a recent road safety audit, MDOT is recommending a roundabout be installed at M-52 and Werkner Road as a way to increase safety and improve traffic flow at this location.”
About two dozen people were in attendance to listen to a presentation put on by MDOT, and to voice their concerns on the proposed project.
View the MDOT presentation in PDF form here.
Many in attendance questioned whether the roundabout was already a done deal, to which MDOT representative Mark Sweeney responded, “To the folks who have asked if we have already made up our minds, well that’s what we’re here for. This is our first meeting. We’re talking about something different, but I’m thrilled that we were able to get this project on the program. I’m thrilled that we can seriously start talking about a solution that we can do for this area, because I’ve driven there, and I don’t like it.”
Residents brought up the heavy truck traffic, traveling both north and south on M-52, to which Sweeney responded that after similar installations in the state, he has received no complaints from truck drivers concerning these roundabouts.
Several residents asked “Why not a traffic light?”
Sweeny said that until recently, the intersection did not meet the MDOT warrants for a light. “Up until this point, we’ve been trying to do something. We were trying to do it with signing, with the installation of the right turn lane. But because the intersection now meets the warrants for a signal, the people looking at the numbers have said that ‘We can do better than a signal.”
Sweeney said, “Our experts have come to us and said based on the traffic patterns and the crash history, and the geometry of the area; we believe a roundabout is the best for the community.”
While resident concerns were many, there were a couple in attendance who favored the roundabout.
Sweeney stated, “We’re listening to your concerns; we’re going to take those into to consideration. There will be an additional public meeting as we get closer to construction.”
No longer being a resident of Chelsea, I really have nothing to say about this but a round about has got to be one of the dumbest ideas I have ever seen. I have seen them in action and they are a nightmare. I do return to Chelsea once in a while and would lot rather see a signal there!!
I think most people are simply afraid of the idea. “Newfangled.” Roundabouts are great if you learn how to use them.
I was one of the people at the meeting that favored the roundabout. I think most of the people opposed to it have been confused on a two lane roundabout. This one will be a single lane and will be much easier to navigate and should be accepted very quickly after people see how easy it is to use. From what I got from the meeting, it will be constructed and after that we will all be happy, even the people that think it won’t work.
Chelsea is fortunate that MDOT is willing to make the investment at this intersection. The elevation and slight curve would make it difficult for vehicles to see stopped traffic. I hope the roundabout is constructed.
I guess the proposed mine is still an issue? 60 to 80 tandem-trailer gravel trucks going through the roundabout daily – that should be interesting.
“The proposed mine would operate for 22 to 30 years, 6 days a week. 60 to 80 tandem-trailer gravel trucks would make round trips to and from the proposed mine daily. This would result in an additional truck traveling on Main Street through the heart of Chelsea every 3 minutes and 45 seconds.”
Hi Susan:
The last word was the company proposing the sand mine operation had found another site for the business and was in negotiations for a land in another location outside Washtenaw County.
Lisa Allmendinger