Study Area and Purpose for the Grand Rapids Southwest
Traffic Circulation Study
What
is the study?
The
Southwest Grand Rapids region has been experiencing dramatic population and
economic growth over the past 20 years. Changes
such as the new Rivertown Crossings Mall and the new M-6 freeway (South
Beltline), as well as the fact that the Southeast Ottawa Traffic Study was
done in 1985, have prompted Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC) members to
undertake a new study and look at the overall needs and desires of this area.
The
results of this study will be used to assist with long range planning and
programming.
The
purpose of the study is to identify future transportation improvements that
will be needed to meet existing and anticipated growth in the area over the
next 25 years. Transportation needs that were reviewed included the following:
-
Improving
area roadways, intersections and interchanges
-
Improving
bridges and railroad crossings
-
Improving
access into and out of Georgetown Township
-
Providing
bicycle and pedestrian facilities
-
Examining
existing transit service, demand for it, and the potential for expansion
of it
The study
was intended to identify corridors where access management, setbacks, or
right-of-way preservation should be considered for anticipated and/or desired
modifications due to increased traffic volumes, such as M-11 (Wilson Avenue)
through Walker and the 48th/68th Avenue corridor in
Ottawa County.
The study is
part of the 2025 Comprehensive Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) under
development by the GVMC. This
long-range planning document is a requirement of the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) and its primary purpose is to ensure that transportation
projects and programs are coordinated and that there are sufficient funds for
the proposed construction projects. The
GVMC has several studies underway or planned as part of the existing
long-range plan. The
recommendations from each of these studies will be reviewed and incorporated
into the LRTP. The plan
prioritizes projects based on regional needs, and as funding becomes
available, projects and programs are added to the Transportation Improvement
Plan (TIP) and implemented.
Study
Area
The Study
Area encompasses an area of approximately 175 square miles in the southwest
portion of the Grand Rapids Metropolitan area.
Major roadways outlining the Study Area are I-96 on the north, 108th
Avenue/Ottogan Street on the south, 48th and 96th Avenues on the west and
Wilson Avenue/Ivanrest Avenue on the east. (see Figure 1.1.1 below).
The Study Team members include:
