Public input needed on proposed improvements to Zeeb Road and I-94 interchange

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A recent look at Zeeb Road from the stop sign at Stonegate Road.

The general understanding in Scio Township is the Zeeb Road and I-94 area has some traffic/safety issues.

The bigger questions are how to solve them and then pay for the actual improvements.

Going forward, Scio wants to continue to support efforts to build partnerships and secure resources in order to make physical improvements for safer, more efficient movement of pedestrian, cyclist and automobile traffic in the North Zeeb Road corridor.

However, it needs a more united front, especially with the public.

A conversation has started in Scio Township around this and getting the public’s input on this is important.

That part of the conversation started on April 13 during the virtual township board meeting.

When the topic was brought up at the meeting, many in virtual attendance from the public were concerned that their input hasn’t been fully sought out yet, especially after seeing some concept drawings of possible improvements.

In the meeting packet, it was said the concept drawings were introduced to illustrate the evolving ideas for road and bridge redesign. It was also noted these will be refined after the public has the opportunity to comment.

The public made it clear they want to talk more about the potential improvements.

One thing in the drawing that drew concern was an idea to put a traffic light at Stonegate and Zeeb. A handful of residents from the Stonegate neighborhood spoke and expressed concerns that the dynamic of their neighborhood would change if a traffic light was put in at Stonegate Road.

Stonegate neighborhood resident Rob Pattinson spoke for many in the public when he said he was surprised to see the concept drawings. He said for a longtime when it came to the discussion of making improvements the idea of sidewalks was talked about.

He said the concept drawings were out of the blue and didn’t really talk about sidewalks. He said the potential widening of Zeeb with a traffic light at Stonegate and Zeeb could drastically alter the situation. He said the light could turn the Stonegate neighborhood into a thoroughfare for drivers wanting to take advantage of getting through it.

In lead up to public comment, Scio Township Supervisor Will Hathaway said they knew there would be some concerns expressed by the public. He said a big reason to help get this moving forward is to hear from the public.

Hathaway said the township needs to take the lead in order to make this project happen. There was a resolution before the board that was there in large part to demonstrate the township’s commitment. He said they need to show on the record that they are supportive of seeking funds and moving forward on solving the traffic and safety issues.

A decision on that resolution was postponed in an effort to hear more from the public.

In describing the situation to The Sun Times News, Hathaway said there are several problems at the N. Zee Road/I-94 interchange that have grown worse over time.

“There is increasing automobile traffic volume that results in safety issues and there are pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns with crossing Zeeb Road and in crossing I-94,” he said while adding, “The pedestrian safety issues are a high priority given the plans for the Zeeb Road Pathway to the Border-to-Border Trail.”

Scio would like to lead an effort to solve these problems.

“We are seeking partners to help with the cost of this major traffic redesign,” Hathaway said. “We are also planning for public input to insure that we are aware of residents' concerns. We shared some concept illustrations as part of the Board of Trustees discussion. These concepts are meant to help facilitate the dialog. They aren't final.”

According to Hathaway, township officials, working together with staff, volunteers and consultants from Government Consultant Services, Inc. (GCSI), OHM Engineering, and Carlyle Wortman Associates, have and are reaching out to potential partners including State Representative Lasinski, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Michigan Department of Transportation, Washtenaw County Road Commission, etc. “with the goal of assembling the resources necessary to make significant improvements to the N. Zeeb Road transportation corridor and the I-94 crossing at Baker Road.”

The next step for this will be setting up a meeting to allow for a more robust public discussion with an opportunity for them to give their input and feedback.

It hasn’t been scheduled yet, but it’s expected that will soon happen. Check out https://www.sciotownship.org/
for updates.

A look at part of the concept drawings.
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