Part of Leelanau’s charm is the warmth of its residents.
Nothing will turn visitors and business owners off faster than nastiness. And one of the places we see this is on the road.
Michigan has the country’s fourth lowest incidence of road rage in the country, according to a 2023 survey by Forbes magazine. However, in recent decades, the numbers have risen statewide.
This could be evidenced locally soon as an influx of motorists during the peak tourism season collides with summer road construction.
The state Department of Transportation held a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for a $25.8 million road project to rebuild portions of M-72 and M-22 — the gateway to the county.
The project includes removing the concrete and composite (asphalt over concrete) pavements and restoring the surface condition and ride quality to good condition; drainage improvements, including curb and gutter, storm sewer and culverts; replacing sidewalks and non-motorized paths; improvements for local transit buses; upgrading sidewalk ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards; building a roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection that incorporates the Bay Street intersection; Cherry Bend Road traffic signal upgrades; and improving driveway access management where possible.
Doesn’t that sound good? Yes, but with something good, often there’s a cost incurred.
Motorists who commute daily to work in Traverse City or travel north into the county will be dramatically impacted by detours and traffic stoppages. There will also be work crews in the construction zone.
According to the Michigan State Police Statewide Traffic Crash Data for 2023, just over 8,000 traffic crashes were recorded in work zones, and an eight percent increase in the number of fatalities (21).
Among the most vulnerable persons on the roads are work crews in the construction zone.
The state has adopted laws to include enhanced penalties of 15 years in prison and $7,500 fine for those who cause death or injury to a road worker.
The cost of lives lost and fines is too high. Everyone needs to take a deep breath. Let’s continue that community warmth that makes Leelanau so charming.
