Lansing moves to eliminate one-lane streets

FRIDAY, Jan. 18 — Six, one-way streets in downtown Lansing will soon shift to two-lane traffic by 2020.

Mayor Andy Schor yesterday announced Grand and Capitol avenues, along with Walnut, Pine, Ottawa and Allegan streets will travel in both directions through an additional $3.3 million in state appropriations. The move will slow down cars, enhance safety and create a more “vibrant business climate,” Schor said in a release.

“Roads like Washington Square and Michigan Avenue have more retail and foot traffic, and are slower and safer,” Schor said, noting high costs previously prevented the lane changes. “Two–way streets will be a boost our downtown and is supported by many of the existing businesses and residents of the downtown.

The cash infusion from the lame-duck appropriations bill will fund traffic signal changes among other improvements. It’ll also allow the city to use a pilot program to utilize “smart-signal technology” to connect traffic signals with automated cars. Schor said many businesses also supported the upcoming conversion.

Visit lansingcitypulse.com for continued coverage as the plans continue to move forward.