In a move that’s sure to delight pedestrians and cyclists alike, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is sprucing up the M-28/Maple Street intersection with a new crosswalk and upgraded sidewalk ramps. This much-anticipated project, starting on September 20 and estimated to be completed by September 27, is all about making it safer and easier to get around town—no more dashing across the road like it’s a real-life game of Frogger!
Dawn Gustafson, MDOT Newberry Transportation Service Center Manager, detailed the improvements: “ADA sidewalk ramps will be installed on the west side of Maple Street to cross M-28. Providing pedestrian crossing treatments to uncontrolled crossings can enhance safety by providing warning to motorists in situations of high-volume pedestrian movements. Pedestrians in uncontrolled intersections are an unexpected movement in the roadway to motorists. It is safer for pedestrians to cross at a signalized intersection, if one is close by. In locations of higher volume pedestrian movements, additional warning devices can provide safety benefits.”
These upgrades are more than just cosmetic; they’re a thoughtful response to the growing foot traffic in the area as more people flock to Munising’s charming downtown and bustling shops. Following a 2022 reconstruction of M-28, which included a lane reduction to a three-lane cross section and the installation of a roundabout at a major intersection, MDOT monitored traffic and pedestrian volumes to assess changes in usage. “Maple Street was identified as a high-volume pedestrian crossing of M-28 and warranted additional measures to be installed,” Gustafson explained.
And if you’ve ever had to dodge cars while crossing this busy stretch, you know how welcome this upgrade is. “Providing pedestrian crossing treatments at uncontrolled crossings can enhance safety by providing a warning to motorists in situations of high-volume pedestrian movements,” Gustafson explained. The new crosswalk will help drivers anticipate where pedestrians are likely to be, making everyone’s life a little easier.
But this isn’t just an MDOT operation—there’s been a whole team of local advocates pushing for this project. Katherine Reynolds, CEO of the Greater Munising Bay Partnership and Executive Director of the Munising Downtown Development Authority (DDA), has been at the forefront of the effort.
“Pedestrian crosswalks are critical to the walkability and safety of our community, not only for our residents but for anyone that visits our downtown,” Reynolds said. “Our office, along with the City of Munising, played an important role in advocating for years to have this particular crosswalk installed. We are very happy to see this project take place.”
The DDA even helped fund a pedestrian volume study in July 2022 that found an average of 64 pedestrians crossing the intersection per hour—more than three times what’s needed to justify a crosswalk. “We would see dozens of people a day, young, elderly, and children alike, trying to cross at that location and darting in and out of oncoming traffic. It was an accident waiting to happen,” Reynolds added. Talk about dodging a bullet—or in this case, a bumper!
Local businesses are also looking forward to the improvements. Kristi Wood, Manager of Das Gift Haus, a popular shop near the intersection, sees the project as a win for everyone. “It’s going to make foot traffic better,” she said. “We’re hoping to see more cyclists and pedestrians using the crosswalk, which will increase the flow of traffic to local businesses.”
Of course, with any construction project, there are bound to be a few headaches. Wood pointed out some potential challenges during the construction period. “The challenges are going to be that people may not know if we’re open because there’s so much construction. People might get confused and think they can’t access the parking lots,” she explained. To tackle this, she’s planning to put up an additional sign to make sure everyone knows the shop is still open for business.
Devin Olson, City Manager of Munising, credited Kathy Reynolds and the DDA for their crucial role in getting the crosswalk installed. “The additional crossing is being placed in a location where a crosswalk was present but was removed as part of the 2020 M-28 project. The crosswalk will provide pedestrians a safer and more efficient route to cross M-28, and the DDA’s efforts were instrumental in bringing it back. An established crosswalk may help drivers become more aware of pedestrians and potentially have a traffic calming effect,” Olson said.
So, what’s next? MDOT is also planning to stripe the concrete portion of the non-motorized multi-use path on East and West Munising and add signs indicating it’s for pedestrians only. And while there are no additional infrastructure projects in the immediate future, everyone seems to agree that this is a step (pun intended) in the right direction.
The M-28/Maple Street project is a prime example of how a community can come together to create positive changes. It’s not just about paving sidewalks and painting lines—it’s about making Munising a safer, more accessible place for everyone. Whether you’re a local resident, a visiting tourist, or just someone looking for a good cup of coffee without risking life and limb to get across the street, these improvements are sure to make a difference.
As the construction wraps up and the new crosswalk opens, Munising can look forward to a safer, more pedestrian-friendly future. So, here’s to smoother crossings, fewer close calls, and a more walkable downtown for everyone to enjoy!
