$1.7M construction project on Packard Street to begin Monday
This portion of Packard Street just north of Independence Boulevard in Ann Arbor will be converted from four lanes to three lanes in a construction project that begins Monday. A bike lane will be added in each direction as well.
Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com
Packard Street is three lanes at the northern end of the construction zone by Coler Road and expands to four lanes near Eastover Place and Jewett Avenue.
From just south of Coler Road to just west of Eisenhower Road, crews contracted by the city of Ann Arbor will be converting the entire portion to be three lanes wide with bike lanes in both directions.
Sidewalk ramps will be replaced, and the following sections of sidewalk will be replaced with a five-foot-wide path: On the east side of Packard Street between Eastover Place and Independence Boulevard, and on the south side of Packard Street near Shady Lane.
The project is one of several capital improvement projects the city is completing this construction season.
Work is set to begin Monday and will last from 10 to 12 weeks until approximately the end of October.
During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and pedestrians will be able to use at least one side of the street. Access for businesses and residents along Packard Street will be maintained.
At certain points during the project, Stone School Road will be closed at Packard Street.
The $1.7 million project is funded through the city’s street millage fund and federal grant dollars.
View Packard Street work in a larger map
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Frustrated in A2
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
I think the city council and mayor should take every road in town that has 2 lanes going in each direction and narrow them all down to 1 lane in each direction. This way Ann Arbor can have the most bike lanes in the entire world. This will be step one to eventually eliminating vehicle traffic in town and converting the whole town to bike lanes. This way all crashes and traffic fatalities will be reduced to zero. In the mean time plan on adding 30-40 minutes to any trip you plan on taking in town Lol!!!
kejamder
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
I think so too. I will be similarly sarcastic about the reduced deaths in town when we get those numbers back. Good points here
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.
No one else has mentioned this so far so I will: Somewhere back around 2008-2009 (when the original Georgetown Mall was still in operation) that same stretch of Packard was re-paved with the "promise" of improved bicycle traffic. There's an old saying which goes something like: Do it right the first time and you won't have to face doing it over again. And - has anyone noticed that this country has inverted the old principles dating back (literally) to the Egyptian Pyramids? Now days it's "whenever contractors get around to finishing the job on their schedule." Have penalties for failure to meet reasonable (pre-negotiated) deadlines been completely thrown out?
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:35 a.m.
This is good news. The city is following through with its dedication to make the roads safer and more bicycle friendly. Right now, that stretch is not very friendly to bikes or pedestrians.
Brad
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:27 p.m.
I'll admit to a stretch just north of Independence (the blacktop sidewalk part) that isn't so good, but the rest of it seems fine. I walk down Packard between Iroquois and Eisenhower most days of the week and I'm still not seeing any big problems. I can't believe it among our highest priorities.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
They're quite degraded in places. Lots of cracked cement where the pavement reaches the ramps at side-streets. There are a couple circular cuts into the pavement where there were tree stumps. Also, because of the lack of bike path, bicyclists often go up on the sidewalk for fear of getting creamed. These changes will help everybody.
Brad
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.
There are fine sidewalks on both sides of the street throughout the entire length of that section. What exactly is missing in the way of "pedestrian friendliness"??
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 2:48 a.m.
I'm all for resurfacing roads. Let's face it...we have some EGREGIOUS roads in this town. They're accidents waiting to happen. As for the bike lanes? I'll have to wait and see, when all is said and done, how I feel about them. I was very unhappy when I read the initial plans for Platt Road. Now that I've dealt with it? I'm fine with it. I'm sure this stretch of Packard will, ultimately, be the same.
a2cents
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 12:21 a.m.
Bike lanes might not be needed if a) lanes were wider; b) motorists were less aggressive / more tolerant / understood cycling and c) bicycles were predictable and rule-biding. Thus we get bike lanes.
Jaime Magiera
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:31 a.m.
Bike lanes are needed in many places. The optimum way is for a completely separate, boundary delineated lane, as is done in Europe.
Sean Thomas
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 10:15 p.m.
I'm really happy about this. last summer I had a friend that lived just inside this stretch. It was always annoying to take the thin, bumpy, tree-filled sidewalk once I got to this place, and somewhat unsafe to take the road. This is just what this stretch needed
Ric
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 6:37 p.m.
Resident of Coler Road and Jewett Avenue some 70 years ago. Great memories.
P. J. Murphy
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
I live quite near this stretch. In fact, from where I'm writing I can see it from my window. I walk it often, I've biked it many times, and I've driven it for decades. The extension of the 3 lanes + bicycle is very welcome for at least three reasons. First for pedestrians. There have been a number of pedestrian deaths in our city over the last year. Most (if not all) of these have been on 4 lane streets. No matter how you look at it, 3 lane roads are much safer for crossing. For the old, for the young, for everyone. Lane conversion is a definite neighborhood plus if you, or someone you care about, does much walking. Second for cyclists. The volume of cyclists on this section of Packard has been increasing steadily for the last several years. Mostly these are not seniors out for a spin. They are commuters, going to work or school in the high traffic times of morning and afternoon. They ride with purpose, typically 12 to 20 mph. They don't belong on sidewalks. Each of them reduces motor traffic, frees up a central city parking place, saves energy, and improves their personal health. The bike lane is a minimal accommodation that they deserve. They are not the problem, they are part of the solution. Finally, yes for motorists as well. The stats on the increased safety of 3 lane roads vs 4 lane are easy to find on the web. They are compelling. You don't have to be a traffic engineer to figure out why. No passing; easier, safer left turns. Easier pull out into traffic. I know there are plenty of "type A" drivers out there who could care less about the safety in my neighborhood. It's all about them and their convenience. We all meet you everyday on the roads. I just glad that you aren't making decisions about road design here in town.
CalmDown
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 1:28 a.m.
Here, Here P.J.! Four lane to three lane conversions aren't for everywhere but so far the city's done a good job of choosing where to put them. That section of Packard seems like an excellent fit.
Sean Thomas
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
I think I love you.
CynicA2
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
Nanny-Stater... ugh!
Elijah Shalis
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
I have had it with these conversions. It is time to replace this annoying mayor.
Scott Reed
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:12 p.m.
This is great. Hopefully there are more projects like this coming up. Huron should be next!
Chuck Saltpeter
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:08 p.m.
Looking forward to the improved sidewalks between Eastover and Independence. There are some real ankle breakers in that stretch. Bike lanes will connect nicely with E. Stadium lanes.
whale11
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
As a senior, I don't use a bicycle, at least not in the city. I often need to use my car for shopping and visits. The reduction of traffic lanes to increase bicycle lanes is an unrealistic attempt to make Ann Arbor a utopia. Perhaps in fifty years when global warming is in full bloom and there is no longer snow and ice will year-round bike riding be possible. Why tear up the good pavement on Packard when Stadium at the new bridge, the bridge on Ann-Arbor-Saline over I-94 and Jackson west to Maple all need repaving?
Mike
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
racerx - thanks for making my point; we have the Davis-Bacon act which insures more inefficient and more costly road construction; a Medicare program only a few years from insolvency and fraught with fraud and waste (lots of news coverage lately), and people like you who blindly support this.................
racerx
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
@mike, but its government that is replacing the road. It's government that is allowing you to either bike or drive this road. It's Medicare, a government program, that is surely keeping your grandparents healthier than they would be if they had to rely on private insurance, who would not doubt gouge them to literally death by taking any remaining funds they have to provide limited care. Yup, the Affordable Care Act and government, along with Obama the root of all your made up evil.
Mike
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
veracity - I'm sure I'll like it s much as I like all of the other poorly managed government programs which are now going broke. Stay healthy my friend because under rationing many things available to you to day will no longer be available. I have relatives in Canada and Britain and they come here for health care. Where will you go under Obamacare? Maybe India?
Veracity
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 6:14 a.m.
Mike - Though this topic has nothing to do with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to which I believe you are sarcastically referring, I must assure you that once you become familiar with all the facts of the ACA you will like it. (I guess that I should qualify my statement by adding "if you become familiar with all the facts." Maybe you do not wish to learn about the positive changes in medical care delivery.)
Mike
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
Seniors will need to ride bikes to stay in shape since health care will be reduced under Obamacare so get pedaling
ordmad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
AMEN.
Anonymice
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
If you want a road system designed for seniors, move to Sun City. This is a college town.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:43 p.m.
The one thing that road diets have going for them -- they are only a few members of city government and a little paint away from being history.
SuperFreckleFace
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
Can't wait to get rear ended turning left onto Independence.
kejamder
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 3:53 a.m.
This has got to be the most misinformed comment of the bunch. They're adding a dedicated center turn lane! Just to alleviate the levels of rear-end accidents!
foobar417
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
This will significantly reduce that problem, not make that problem worse. A major point of a dedicated middle turning lane is to reduce accidents from people rear-ending a stopped left turner. There are plenty of published traffic statistics backing that up.
a2susan
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
For those of you voting down, it is a real problem for those of us who turn left onto Independence - cars don't pay attention to your turn signal and come up right behind you. Can't tell you how many times I thought a car was going to crash into me.
Basic Bob
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:24 p.m.
What happens when the new shopping center opens?
Indymama
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
No More Round-a-bouts!!!
MorningGlory
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 6:12 p.m.
Roundabout.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
If...errr....when I get a hankering for some Fraser's sliders and a cold beer how much time should i add to my drive?
motorcycleminer
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 11:32 a.m.
I would say 10 to 12 ..ooops this is an Oz project ...4 to 6 months.....
Boo Radley
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
Craig, Put on another 40 pounds like I did and enjoy a second beer.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
I'll tell you whats a lot more impaired than 220 lbs, 1 light beer over 45-60 minutes, a stone cold sober person in a cell phone conversation. Hands on OR off.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:48 p.m.
not sure what your getting at. If your implying impaired driving I can assure you at 220 lbs one light beer over 45-60 minutes doesn't come close.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
driving? Frasers? don't
racerx
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:43 p.m.
So? Will the cops still sit at the bakery, Marcos Pizza parking lot and catch speeders? or will the reduced speed limit reduce their tenure there? I also ride this road, by bike, but if the sidewalk is increased by 5ft, why the bike lanes? How much ped traffic is there where a bike can't be ridden on the wider sidewalk and not the road? Gallup Park gets along just fine with a wide sidewalk, strollers, bikes, rollerbladders, dogs, kids, wheelchairs......
CLX
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
Gallup Park is often a problem, and doesn't deal with bikers who are commuting. There are many bikes and pedestrians on that route - bikes do not belong on sidewalks.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
(no, it doesn't)
Penz1111
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
Now, now, they have over 2 weeks worth of data showing how the new stoplight and increased traffic on Washtenaw is affecting alternate routes leaving Ann Arbor. Isn't that plenty of time to decide to reduce the number of lanes on Packard?
Great Lakes Lady
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:23 p.m.
How about Carpenter Rd between Washtenaw and Packard?
sttc
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
takes the award for worst stretch of road in the area now that grove is finally getting fixed? agree this one is in desperate need of work, though when it finally gets taken down for same, it's going to be a big inconvenience to a lot of people.
fjord
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:32 p.m.
Why should the City of Ann Arbor pay to resurface a street in Pittsfield Township?
A24Mee
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
These bike lane projects are absurd - I drive W. Stadium every day and almost never see a bicyclist. The traffic is horrible - can't get into or out of the subdivisions on either side during rush hour and on football Saturdays. There's got to be a better way to make roads than these ludicrous 3-lane car and 2 lane bike highways.
fjord
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 3:10 a.m.
@Mike - I live a stone's throw from that section of Stadium. It was basically impassable on football Saturdays before they reconfigured the road, and it's still basically impassable now. I don't see much difference at all. If anything, it's actually easier to get out of the neighborhood now, because it only takes one driver to let you through instead of two.
Mike
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.
fjord - did I read it right that you think two lanes carries the same volume of traffic that one does???????
fjord
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
@A24Mee - Don't kid yourself ... the traffic on Stadium was just as bad on football Saturdays when it was two lanes in each direction.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:08 p.m.
& where would you go on a football Saturday? you live in a parking lot those days. I drive a beater and also long for the bumper car rodeo of the 4-lane. Tempers flared, but boy was it exciting. Got to hold up cars 1/2 way to forever trying to make a left turn.
RUKiddingMe
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
How much is the University paying the city to have South University AND its sidewalks closed for months? It's STILL closed. Are they paying the same I would have to pay to have a street and sidewalks closed?
48104
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
It's open.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
Time for a new transportation director. Preferably one that doesn't also sit on the AAAAATA board in an egregious conflict of interest.
kejamder
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 3:51 a.m.
No one seems to understand that this is not a "transportation director" decision. But hey, what's the value in doing actual fact checking before you post on the news. This is from the Project Management unit: http://www.a2gov.org/government/publicservices/project_management/Pages/ProjectManagementUnit.aspx. And they are concerned with MOTORIST safety, because 3 lanes (including center turn lane) greatly reduces accidents from 4 lane roads. Bike lanes are incidental
Townspeak
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:54 p.m.
Bad priority. Street is fine. Who made this decision?
Plubius
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:31 p.m.
The local construction companies who own the city council.
Mike
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
More coming, stay tuned.............
BenWoodruff
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
So...we planners wait until 2 weeks before school starts at AAPS and U of M before tackling this project? What, summertime too busy?
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
busy all over town... summer isn't long enough
motorcycleminer
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
More of prince john kissing 2 wheel butt....
ordmad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:16 p.m.
Oh the horror: I have to share the road with people on bikes and it might take me a few minutes longer to get where I'm going.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:03 p.m.
Representing "the whole concept of a civilized society" today? Or is it "the biking community generally agrees"? Normally isn't it the so-called "silent majority" that you claim share you opinions?
ordmad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 7:17 p.m.
The biking community generally agrees that this is a dangerous stretch. Your "no problems exist" reveals your self-centered view of the world which runs smack dab into the whole concept of a civilized society.
Penz1111
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:33 p.m.
An extra six minutes each work day--3 minutes each way--comes to 26 hours over the course of a year. That's a lot to give up when no problem exists in the first place.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
We certainly wouldn't want to inconvenience those eight bike riders just for the sake of the thousands of cars.
JustMyTwoCents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
Nice. This will be finished with smooth, new pavement just in time for heavy construction traffic to destroy it when construction begins on the new Georgetown Mall. But with the speed of progress on that project we may get three or four good years on Packard before any construction starts on the new development.
Tano
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
@MG, Thats a good idea - I think that would be a big improvement for that intersection!
48104
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
Does anyone really believe anything is actually gonna get built there anytime soon? That project took so long on Washtenaw I'm also not holding my breath here.
MorningGlory
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Don't worry. Once the new apartments are built they will decide to change the intersection with Eisenhower to a roundabout and construction will begin all aver again.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
"During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction, " Guess what? After construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. And traffic flow will be reduced as well - that's what happens when you reduce the number of lanes. Another solution looking for a problem.
A2Annie
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:16 p.m.
It may not be practical to bike, walk, use transit, or carpool every day. But, if you can use alternative transportation as much as you can, you are a part of the solution. Here's the challenge for those not already using alternative transit: If you live in ann arbor and work in town, try to use the bus once per week. I think you'll find it's a pretty simple task. If you're a downtown worker, take advantage of the getDowntown goPass. AAATA has been improving routes steadily over the past couple of years. The packard bus runs about 5 times an hour during rush hour. You can catch the bus every 10 minutes. Same with the Washtenaw bus.
Veracity
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 6:01 a.m.
Crono - Your idea would be great if the drivers of the 50 vehicles were going to the same work location in town and at the same time during the day. Our bus service does not cover all of Ann Arbor and it may not be practical for all of these drivers to ride bicycles to work or even walk to work.
Crono
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 1:18 a.m.
When you reduce the number of lanes on a roadway, not only does it slow down traffic, but it encourages people to THINK about the way they are traveling. If you live in the city of Ann Arbor, and you also work in the city, there is no reason that you should be driving to work alone. You have many options: walk, bike, transit, carpool. You're only adding to the unnecessary congestion on the roadways. It is unsustainable to have roadways only accommodate one mode of transportation - the single-occupancy automobile. Do you realize how much space each individual vehicle takes up on the road? You could take 50 of those vehicles off the roadway (which are jamming the road) and put those same people on 1 bus that could easily and quickly get you to your destination. It's really not that complicated of a concept to understand. You just have to give it thought.
lorayn54
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
from now on traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. I live right in this area and can say that currently there is not that much traffic in this area -- except during commuting hours. But that only get worse when the new apartment complex at the site of "georgetown mall" is completed. we want the population in the core of our city to grow, but we are consistently reducing the number of lanes on some of our busy streets. Is there a concept behind this besides encouraging bicycle riding?
Arieswoman
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:36 a.m.
I like Platt Road since they made it with 2 lanes versus the old 4 lanes. It has slowed the incoming traffic from the south. It is much safer now also. Packard will be much improved IMHO.
Mike
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
Tom - that really is what the end goal is, thanks for asking................
Tom
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Safety is always a consideration, but so is traffic flow. If we really want to slow traffic down, we could make all the roads 0 lanes and turn them into bike paths. Is that really what we want to turn these major roads into?
sweetdaddy1963
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
Can you finish a project first before you start another people use stone to get around the state & Ellsworth project and you Start this think people.
kejamder
Mon, Aug 19, 2013 : 3:48 a.m.
Yes. the most efficient use of funds, engineers, planners, construction crews, managers, etc, would be to have 90%+ of them do nothing while one project is underway
mibadger
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 1:34 a.m.
This project has nothing to do with Stone School Road.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
1 project per year for 50 sq. miles of streets... cute!
Voice
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:21 a.m.
That stretch of road is still in good physical shape for motorists. The city's resources would be better used improving Huron Street rather than tearing up a good portion of road to install new bike lanes. Priorities!!
Fred Pettit
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.
Sooze, they are not doing the section you are referring to AND they are doing very little to resurface neighborhood streets. Linwood in our neighborhood is so bad that I'm surprised my fillings are still intact.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:09 p.m.
The chunk between Stone School and Eisenhower is definitely rubble. But at least it's four lanes of rubble.
pb
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
Huron Street is not under city jurisdiction - and it will be repaved next summer (something for which I cannot wait).
Sooze
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
That stretch of road is NOT in good shape! Constant bumps and rough patches near Cobblestone Farm and for much of this remaining unpaved section.
Concerned Neighbor
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
Good, more bike lanes. Can't wait to use them this winter!
CLX
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
a2chrisp - it is a good idea, but we have neighborhoods that don't even have sidewalks in AA, so I can't imagine that happening. This would be hard to do in the older neighborhoods where the houses are much closer to the sidewalk.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:52 p.m.
Trash carts? piling snow? deliveries?
a2chrisp
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:27 p.m.
You know, in Europe instead of having bikes in the road they have double wide sidewalks, one path for bikes and a second for pedestrians. It is honestly a much better system for everyone. Bikes don't have to follow traffic laws and cars don't have to cede the road. I really wish this was what we did here, as opposed to reducing traffic flow to get more bikes on the road.
Girl from Michigan
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:20 a.m.
What is the number of bike volume per year along that stretch?
Mike
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 8:44 p.m.
This is irrelevant because there is an agenda in town to create more bike paths and walking paths and top reduce the number and convenience of using an automobile. Don't like it then run for council. Otherwise find a good bike store, lose some weight, and help save the planet...........
CLX
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:24 p.m.
There are many bikers on Packard (folks going to the U., for one), and they should not be on the sidewalks, so I'm personally happy about this.
foobar417
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
If you have a disconnected bike infrastructure, cyclists will avoid that road. If you connect it (as they are doing), they will. Would you regularly drive down a 4-lane paved road that abruptly ended in dirt? Same concept.
SaginawEric
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
I ride my bike on this route at least once a week, usually on weekends. Bike lanes would be nice, but not a necessity, I usually just jump on the side walk for that stretch.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
Same here, Craig. I always use the sidewalk on that stretch. Problem solved.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
GFM asks a reasonable question. And Brad makes a good point. I have ridden that area on numerous ocassion. On that stretch I personally ride the sidewalk giving the utmost respect to the very few pedestrians i see.
Brad
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
Something here is irrelevant. I ride that stretch just fine.
Ryan Bowles
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
It's too dangerous to ride right now, so the current bike volume is irrelevant.
foobar417
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 10:58 a.m.
This work will make for a much smoother drive. It's also a key step in eliminating a big gap in the city's bike infrastructure.
Frustrated in A2
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 10:03 p.m.
I agree with a2chrisp, Platt is annoying to drive on now, as is W. Stadium and now Packard will be annoying.
foobar417
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:28 p.m.
No, not facetious. The pavement is rough. It will literally be smoother because the pavement will be smoother. Road diets have been proven to work over and over in traffic studies by traffic engineers. Plat works just fine.
a2chrisp
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:21 p.m.
You are being facetious, right? Perhaps not. How will this make for a smoother drive? I'm honestly asking, because when they switched platt to three lanes from four it made things much less smooth.