Included among a series of initiatives being sponsored by Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety, faculty and students from the College of Engineering’s Transportation Research Group, and staff from Facilities Planning and Management have been working with the City and MDOT have secured a matching Federal grant under the Transportation Enhancement Fund. This grant will assist in implementing a series of related improvements along Anthony Wayne Drive (AWD) between Warren Ave. to the south and Kirby Ave. to the north. Funding for this project will be provided from two sources; up to $563,884 from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Program grant facilitated by MDOT, and up to $400,000 as a University match from the Reserve for Depreciation.
Main Campus View from South
Under the leadership of Dr. Tapan Datta, P.E., who chairs the Transportation Research Group out of the College of Engineering’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a detailed traffic and safety study was conducted of AWD during 2009. The study quantified the frequency and severity of the many vehicle and pedestrian accidents occurring on AWD, and included a series of recommended design and construction modifications to AWD that will improve its overall safety. Statistical data from the study and the various recommendations to modify AWD were presented in the University’s grant application for Federal Transportation Enhancement funding.
View from South
Specific enhancements to be implemented with this project include the installation of a HAWK signal controlled pedestrian cross walk on AWD between the Engineering Building and General Lectures. A second HAWK signal will be installed at cross walk near Ghafari Hall. The curb and gutter system on both sides of AWD will be modified to reduce the quantity of vehicle traffic lanes from four to two, with provisions for a bike lanes. In addition to the benefits of significantly improved pedestrian safety, these changes will permit a much needed increase in on-street parallel parking going north and south on AWD. All of the frequently inoperable street lights and electrical infrastructure will be replaced with Comerica fixtures, and a series of planter beds will be constructed along the curbs and on sidewalks to establish more tree, flowers and ornamental grass that will improve the appearance of the current hardscape.
Site Plan
Inset-Detail
In addition to the 20 percent or $140,971 match of MDOT funds for the cost of construction, the University’s portion of the project budget also includes design and project management fees, City engineering and inspection services, irrigation which is not eligible for reimbursement, and a contingency. The project will be competitively bid and the construction contract awarded by MDOT. The City will perform construction engineering and inspection and the University will reimburse the City for its portion of the project costs.