City officials say a new crosswalk sign on Main Street at Church Street is a first step to making M-15 safer for pedestrians.
“It’s very much a busy crosswalk. We felt something was needed more than markings,” said City Manager Jonathan Smith. “The goal is to protect pedestrians. It’s something at least to try, a trial program.”
The spring-loaded sign with a weighted base cost $400 from the city streets budget, and was installed by the city DPW.
“We have seen them installed in other communities with success,” Smith said. “If it works well, we may purchase additional ones for Washington and at Waldon.”
Response has been very positive, the city manager said.
“About 90 percent of responses have been positive,” he said.
Concerns from residents include it’s another sign to look at, won’t be effective, and could be an obstacle.
The city has been working with Michigan Department of Transportation on traffic-slowing ideas on M-15, which is a state route, as well as Independence Township.
– Phil Custodio