One of Washtenaw County's most dangerous intersections to get $65K safety upgrade
Editor's note: This story was edited for clarity as to when Carpenter Road will be resurfaced.
The intersection of Carpenter and Packard roads in Pittsfield Township, pictured here Friday looking north, will be under construction beginning Monday as a small median is added on all four legs of the intersection. The two-foot-wide, six-inch-tall concrete curb aims to prevent drivers from turning left into the road from driveways at adjacent businesses, like this one.
Amy Biolchini | AnnArbor.com
Work will begin Monday at the Pittsfield Township crossing, where there were 114 crashes reported in 2011.
The project, which was designed by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, will last until July 3. Though the intersection will remain open during the project, officials warn traffic delays are likely and drivers are encouraged to avoid it.
A small concrete median about two feet wide, six inches high and about 150 to 200 feet long will be installed on the double-yellow line on all four legs of the intersection.
Reflective plastic markers about three feet tall will line the median to increase the night visibility of the new barrier.
The small barrier—similar to what is already in place at the intersection of Golfside and Washtenaw—is intended to prevent people from making left-hand turns other than at the traffic light.
That means that patrons at businesses near the intersection will not be able to turn left out of the driveways on to Carpenter or Packard roads, nor will people be able to make a left hand turn in to the businesses’ driveways.
At the intersection, both roads are five lanes. The addition of the small concrete median will mean the lane width is slightly reduced, said Matt MacDonell, senior projects manager with the Road Commission.
Construction will occur on one leg of the intersection at a time, beginning with Packard Road and then Carpenter Road.
During construction, one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.
Drivers will still be able to make a left-hand turn at the traffic signal, though the Road Commission warns that the lane reductions will cause significant traffic delays.
The intersection safety project precedes a full reconstruction of Carpenter Road from Packard to Washtenaw Avenue in Pittsfield Township that is slated for 2014.
The reconstruction project will add two mid-block pedestrian crossings but will not affect the new concrete median being installed this summer.
The construction this summer at the intersection is one of several major projects that are in progress and are being coordinated by the Washtenaw County Road Commission:
- Roundabout construction at State and Ellsworth roads in Pittsfield Township
- Roundabout construction at Geddes and Ridge roads in Superior Township
- Intersection widening and signal upgrade at Rawsonville and Martz roads in Ypsilanti Township
- Ford Boulevard bridge closure for reconstruction in Ypsilanti Township
View Carpenter and Packard intersection safety project 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
Cameron McLain
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
That is worth 65,000$ ? For probably 500$ worth of concrete... harsh.
Roger Dodger
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
This totally did not work on Golfside. Now people just drive the wrong way into oncoming traffic to get around the curb.
Murf
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
I saw the hot mess of construction barrels this morning and forgot all about this plan. Can't wait for the finished result!
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
There's nothing dangerous about the intersection. It's the people driving the cars making horrible decisions that cause the problems.
Dave
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
Now they need to add this to State St south of 94 to the traffic islands. There are a ton of people who miss getting on 94 and then make Uturns in front of traffic into the UofM sleep clinic. The amount of near misses is incredible.
craigjjs
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
This project shows great proactive planning. The planners are wisely anticipating the impending invention of the hover car.
Ann English
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
If the interior curbs around the Speedway station were removed, motorists leaving the station intending to shop at the strip mall wouldn't have to go immediately onto Packard or Carpenter at all, but could drive straight to the stores/gas station/ Belle Tire. Meijer gas customers can do that, further down Carpenter Road, because the station is not surrounded by interior curbs; no need to leave the station, get on Ellsworth or Carpenter first, before heading for Lane Bryant, Target or Babies R Us.
Sparty
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 5:57 p.m.
When will Carpenter between Packard and Carpenter be repaved? It's been put off for years, with one excuse after another and now these needed safety improvements give them one more excuse to delay it ! Can Amy look into it for us?
Tano
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.
The safety improvements are being done now. The rebuild is scheduled for next year. I don't think the one has anything to do with the other. You are right that the wording makes it seem like the improvements will delay the rebuild ("preempt"), but I don't think that is what they meant to say. I think they simply meant that the improvements will be done before the rebuild.
Sparty
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 6:28 p.m.
Carpenter between Packard and Washtenaw ... gosh darn this lack of editing!
Sparty
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 6:27 p.m.
That's Carpenter between Packard & Washington ... oops :)
Peter Hochgraf
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
A couple notes. While turning left out of a drive and across a double yellow line is not illegal, there are times when turning left out of drive are. If you used the drive to avoid a traffic control device, or if you cannot fully clear the intersection (of the drive and the road), it is illegal to pull half-way into the left turn lane and use it as a merging lane. Specifically here, they either need to block off all of the mall's intersections or leave the eastern one open. Pulling out of the western one (closet to the highway) is extremely dangerous, as you have no visibility to the left, under the highway. There has been many times I've gone to exit there (usually because there is someone sleeping in the eastern exit) and almost been hit because I cannot see if anyone is coming until I'm in the road.
Mary Keeley
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.
Isn't there a "No left turn" sign on the western exit. There use to be. I have not looked lately
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 11:28 p.m.
So you pulled out of that driveway "many" times even though you've "almost been hit" repeatedly? And we should take your advice why?
JMA2Y
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
MEANWHILE, you'll turn right, travel a few feet, get into the turn lane, cut across two lanes of oncoming traffic to do a U-turn in someone's driveway, to then take a right, to then head back to the intersection in order to go the direction you would have had you been able to turn left out of a driveway.
Arieswoman
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
@JMA2Y Well, I have had to do just that to get into and out of Pizza Hut. I don't go there very often because of that. They don't offer home delivery just because of this.
slave2work
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 3:07 p.m.
SO..... I thought they were going to work on carpenter, fix it!!.. does this mean this will be tore up to repave carpenter?..
Tano
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
Yes that is what the word means, but no, I don't think that is what they mean.
Sparty
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 6:21 p.m.
The article said: The intersection safety project preempts a full reconstruction of Carpenter Road from Packard to Washtenaw Avenue in Pittsfield Township that is slated for 2014, meaning it won't be done now, I believe based on the word "preempt".
Basic Bob
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.
Next year they will rip it out. Except for the part on Packard that was repaved last summer. You couldn't make this stuff up. But at least for the summer it will be safer as they reduce it to one lane in each direction and people have to go around or wait a week for traffic to clear.
An Arborigine
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
Thank goodness it won't be yet another roundabout!
craigjjs
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 11:44 a.m.
I love roundabouts. There is nothing more entertaining than watching drivers furious and perplexed while trying to cross simple intersections.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.
You can't fix stupid
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:55 p.m.
Tire repair places are going to make a bundle when people try and drive over those curbs. Who will be the first? I wish we could put those traffic cams on the community access channel.
Brad
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Six-inch curbs are nothing in a town of nine-inch potholes.
jns131
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:38 p.m.
I had to think about that driveway for a minute. That is a defunct gas station. Need to just put up blocked barricades to keep people out. Otherwise, great idea.
craigjjs
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
I wonder if this problem would be reduced if it was possible for Speedway customers to easily access the strip mall and use its traffic signal on Carpenter.
jns131
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
I am the one who never turns left any direction at that intersection. I am the one who heads straight to the Kroger gas station. Otherwise, you won't find me there on most days.
CountyKate
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
jns131, you're thinking of the one on the northeast side of this intersection. The Speedway is on the southwest side, along with the strip mall. People trying to turn left from both this station and the strip mall cause all kinds of craziness. I hold my breath every time I go down that stretch.
WalkingJoe
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
I think this is a great idea except that it gives certain pedestrians who don't want to use the crosswalk or can't be bothered to walk an extra few to it, an island to stand on and make drivers guess when they are going to step into traffic.
craigjjs
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 11:40 a.m.
Coupled with our unique "Mind Reading" local pedestrian intersection law, the islands could make for a challenging guessing game.
Great Lakes Lady
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Reminder: Please don't stop your car, to let someone cut in front of you, making an illegal turn such as described in this article. You think you're being nice, but you're backing up traffic behind you. Furthermore, people driving in the lane to your right don't see it and can potentially broad side the car you're letting in. It happened to me 10 years ago in Brighton. I was the one trying to turn into a parking lot. A person in oncoming traffic stopped to let me turn....the driver, who was speeding in the lane next to her, didn't see it and hit my passenger door. Luckily no one was injured. Since then, I've never let anyone turn in front of me....for their safety.....and the safety of the people following me.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 2:16 p.m.
Agree. Letting people in can often cause problems. You let somebody in, but somebody coming from the other direction or from behind you in the next lane isn't in on your plan and is totally surprised by what's happening, because it shouldn't be happening.
jmcmurray
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:54 p.m.
Your husband is a lucky man, jns131.
jns131
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:41 p.m.
WCSD told my stupid husband that he could have had a ticket and a fine and points on his license for letting a driver cut and turn in front of him. Yes, this did turn into ay accident. Husbands fault for being a good samaritan. I have not let him let it down since. Men can be so stupid at times. I never do this. Ever. Wait your turn.
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
"above"
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
Not arguing about letting someone cut through, but I don't believe it's illegal and cited something about that supports that.
RRinAA
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
They need to do something like this at West Stadium and Jackson, especially on the northbound Stadium and eastbound Jackson legs. This intersection is sorely in need of attention and some intelligent redesign. Traffic there can be horrendous and is made worse by people making lefts into and out of entrances that are too close to the intersection.
Ann English
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:05 p.m.
From westbound Stadium to Abbott, is fine; if no Jackson Road redesign is upcoming, maybe more people should use the residential roads (Like Burwood and Longman Lane) to slightly decongest the Stadium traffic. Wise planning for the Walgreens drugstore to put in a driveway accessible from Abbott Street, not just from Jackson Road.
Billy
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
"The two-foot-wide, six-inch-tall concrete curb aims to prevent drivers from turning left into the road from driveways at adjacent businesses, like this one." Ah so you mean it's designed to keep drivers from doing something that is not only EXTREMELY selfish and ENTITLED....but also ILLEGAL. See that DOUBLE YELLOW LINE folks....that means you can't cross it....for any reason...even turning left into your own driveway. You'll notice at intersections where you are allowed to turn left that the double yellow line BREAKS...if it doesn't break you are NOT allowed to turn left across it. My friend's father received a ticket for this very thing nearly two decades ago (doubt the law has changed) and I went down to the library main branch downtown, got a physical copy of the state vehicle code and looked it up (this was all pre-intarwebz). The law is pretty specific about NOT crossing that double yellow line for ANY reason.
jns131
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
Showed have read further. I did post on this as well. Do not under any circumstances let anyone cross in front of you. Find another way or just keep on going.
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:20 p.m.
From the library main branch? Fiction I guess.
Reverend Bubba X
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:11 p.m.
Silly rabbit, double lines only relate to passing. Been that way since at least the middle 70's. Where do people get these erroneous ideas?
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
Nor do I find it to be EXTREMELY selfish and ENTITLED. What I do find it to be is reasonably safe as long as you wait for traffic to clear.
Brad
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Sorry Billy - that is not correct. Double lines are about passing and nothing else. From a document called "Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals" on the MI SoS web site: "A double solid yellow line down the middle of a two-lane roadway means that passing is not allowed for vehicles traveling in either direction." Feel free to cite Michigan law to the contrary. Lower case will be fine.
Duc d'Escargot
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
The project "preempts a full reconstruction" of the road? So the road will not be reconstructed in '14? Or it will only be partially reconstructed? Honestly, doesn't anyone proofread or edit this stuff?
Sparty
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 6:26 p.m.
Can Amy check on this for us????
Napalm.Morning
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
Agreed that that safety "designs" ostensibly improve the experience of all drivers. . . but I do cringe whenever the solution is to spend more (and selfishly my) taxpayer money to somehow influence the behavior of a few common sense challenged drivers. How about a camera to record the license plates of the few scofflaws and then bill them directly for their inability to execute simple common sense vehicle maneuvers? Make the offenders pay for the "safety" modifications. BTW even with the designs in place such maneuvers will continue to a marginally lesser degree--they will simply have to work harder to pull them off.
craigjjs
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 11:33 a.m.
I am not sure any of the drivers you refer to are scofflaws. I believe most, if not all, of the left turns these changes will be modifying are legal (if not necessarily wise).
SonnyDog09
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
If the diagram is correct, the construction needs to be extended further on Packard west of the light to keep cars from turning in to and out of the strip mall and also needs to be extended further on Carpenter south of the light to keep cars from turning in to and out of the PIzza Hut.
Usual Suspect
Mon, Jun 17, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
"... Miles of Golf; that's where I turn around after leaving Speedway." Illegal.
Ann English
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 9:53 p.m.
As long as the new median doesn't go so far south, I can't turn left into Miles of Golf; that's where I turn around after leaving Speedway. I PREFER to use the traffic signals in order to turn left onto Carpenter very near the Kroger gas station, and the Carpenter-Packard left-turn light to turn left; they're both better than the Washtenaw-Carpenter traffic signal. I wonder if some people will use Hawks to Blossom Hill to Center Valley Drive to get around the Packard-Carpenter intersection until after the first week of July; turning left onto Hawks from Packard isn't hard to do if it isn't rush hour. Turning left into the Meijer strip mall from Center Valley Drive is much easier than from southbound Carpenter.
Barb's Mom
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
SonnyDog, I agree with you. Many people are cutting through the strip mall to avoid the traffic light
edredneck
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:18 a.m.
One can only hope that the median be painted in yellow so that drivers are aware of the changes. The entrance to Walmart off State Road has a concrete thingee to keep the traffic from making dangerous moves. Unfortunately I ran my wheels over the thing twice because I didn't see it and could have caused an accident. Noted for decades by MDOT is that whenever a traffic sign or light is changed more accidents are caused than before the changes due to lack of warnings.
Ann English
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 9:43 p.m.
Sounds like you approach that Walmart from State Road from the north; when I've gone there, I've used the slight left turn onto OLD State Road to Michigan Avenue, and then make two right turns.
Hugh Giariola
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:09 a.m.
Great news. I always LOVE when drivers attempt to turn left from the Speedway gas station onto westbound Packard across four lanes of eastbound traffic.
BobbyJohn
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:53 p.m.
Sorry, but signs and Enforcement will save $65,000 and perhaps even make the township and county some money from fines.
Ann English
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
Signs prohibiting left turns out of White Castle were ignored. I only turned left onto Packard from the strip mall if it were during a period of LIGHT traffic on Packard, early in the day. The reporters keep focusing on motorists trying to turn left onto Carpenter from the Speedway station, even though that driveway is close to the intersection. I have never considered doing that, for that very reason. Sometimes even RIGHT turns are impossible to do out of driveways close to intersections.
Arieswoman
Sun, Jun 16, 2013 : 10:18 a.m.
@Hugh I so agree with you. It is taking your life in your hands when these drivers cut through traffic to make a left hand turn. I don't understand why drivers stop and let them do it!