Calls for a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Huron River Drive and North Territorial Road have resurfaced following a recent three-vehicle crash, but the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) says it has no plans to install one.
The intersection has seen a noticeable increase in traffic this summer as multiple road construction projects around Dexter have altered normal travel patterns. With downtown Dexter’s Main Street project and the closure of Island Lake Road at Dexter-Pinckney Road limiting access into the city, many drivers have turned to Huron River Drive as the shortest alternate route.
Recently, a three-vehicle crash at the intersection renewed discussion on social media, where many residents questioned why a temporary traffic signal could not be installed to improve safety.
According to WCRC Communications Manager Tiffany Oliphant, temporary traffic signals are intended for a different purpose.
“The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will not install a temporary traffic signal at the intersection of Huron River Dr. and N. Territorial Rd. WCRC would like to reinforce there is an active traffic signal at Mast Rd and N. Territorial Rd. WCRC typically uses temporary signals for maintaining traffic flow during active construction, acting similarly to a manual flagging operation, where one lane of traffic alternates movement while the other is stopped.”
Rather than directing motorists through Huron River Drive, the road commission’s official detour routes traffic along Mast Road, where a permanent traffic signal controls the intersection with North Territorial Road.
While many motorists have opted for the Huron River Drive route because it is shorter, it remains an uncontrolled intersection where drivers on Huron River Drive must stop before entering or crossing North Territorial Road.
The increased traffic volumes have led some residents to argue that conditions at the intersection have changed enough to warrant temporary traffic control. WCRC, however, maintains that drivers should follow the posted detour and use the signalized Mast Road intersection instead.
Construction affecting travel into Dexter is expected to continue through the summer, meaning the heavier-than-normal traffic patterns are likely to persist until the projects are completed.
Featured photo: Traffic queues build at the intersection of Huron River Drive and North Territorial Road as summer road construction diverts more vehicles onto the route. The Washtenaw County Road Commission continues to direct motorists to use the posted detour via Mast Road and North Territorial Road. Photo by Doug Marrin
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