Conclusion

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The outcome of this Study confirmed a consensus need and desire for the following four issues:

	Modification and/or improvement of Wilson Avenue (M-11), between I-196 and I-96.
	A strong desire for an interchange improvement in the vicinity of the existing I-196/Chicago Drive interchange area, commonly referred to by locals as the Baldwin Street Connector. Funding for an Environmental & Planning study by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been included in MDOT’s 5-year Program (2001-2005).  However, funding for the Early Preliminary Engineering (EPE) study phase, design, right-of-way acquisition and construction has not been included in MDOT’s 5-year Program.  The EPE and other phases of the project will be prioritized with other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) and statewide needs.  Funding must be identified before they can be added to MDOT’s 5-year Program or the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Long Range Plan (LRP) and Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
	Support for a future study of the need and location for another Grand River Crossing between 68th Avenue and M-11.  Study would include a detailed analysis of traffic, as well as social and environmental impact assessments of various alternative crossings, and
	Strong support for the Ottawa County Park Departments Grand River Greenway project and connectivity to Kent County’s existing and proposed parks and non-motorized facilities.

 

The first two require coordination with MDOT on planning, design and construction, as well as funding.  The second two can be done by local or county agencies.  The Study area communities should immediately work together through the GVMC to incorporate and prioritize these desired projects in future TIP funding for the area.

Likewise, Study Team members should begin to promote those projects seen as future year, versus near-term needs, to develop a consensus within the GVMC as to their need so that funding for planning, design and construction can be included in future year TIP’s and Transportation Plans.  These projects include:

	A study of the need for a future 48th/68th Avenue corridor study including consideration for a new interchange at 48th and I-196 to address growth in the western suburbs of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area
	Monitoring of local road issues related to the opening of the South Beltline (M-6), i.e. 32nd Avenue, Kenowa, 60th Street, 68th Street, etc.
	Interchange modification studies of I-196/44th Street, I-196/32nd Avenue, and I-96/68th Avenue
	The M-6 (South Beltline) interchange roadways of Wilson Avenue and 8th Avenue should have plans developed to deal with anticipated traffic growth

 

The major arterial roadways identified in this study should also have access management plans. These plans should be jointly developed with the agencies having jurisdiction over the roadway, the city/township controlling the land use adjacent to the roadway, and developers. The purpose of these plans is to establish a long-term plan to sustain a safe and efficient highway traffic operation.  This access management plan may include such things as: 

• Consolidation of private drives so that adjacent properties share a common entrance

• Issuing "temporary" drive permits pending future location of an alternate access

• Limiting the number and location of median openings on boulevards

• Restricting turning movements into and out of properties to minimize traffic conflicts

• On corner parcels, have drives on the side street rather than directly onto the arterial

• Restrict drives near major cross street intersections

• Restrict residential access to side street and not directly to arterial

• Provide for service roads connecting large adjacent developments

• Developer participation in funding of improvements as a condition of site plan approvals

• Establish building setbacks so future roadway widening can occur

In conclusion, the improvements identified in this study will be prioritized with other MPO, local, and (for state trunklines) statewide needs, and are constrained by the availability of funding more than anything else.