LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A brand new mission is underway to gradual drivers down on a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Lansing that has lengthy been the scene of dashing vehicles, reckless driving, and crashes.
Simply over a month in the past, 13 individuals had been injured and a 15-year-old boy died in a avenue racing crash involving 5 automobiles on MLK Jr. Blvd. at Pierce Rd. Now, the Michigan Division of Transportation is gearing as much as start building on 4 pedestrian refuge islands, which state and native leaders hope will get drivers to decelerate.
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The islands can be put in between Victor Ave. and Cavanaugh Rd.
“I am extremely grateful for MDOT’s work in installing these pedestrian islands along South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard,” stated Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “It’s another step forward in making this area safer for both pedestrians and drivers. This stretch sees many people crossing here, and these islands will help provide a safer area for those who need to cross the road.”
Many neighborhood members consider the lengthy, straight roadway lends itself to dashing. MDOT says these pedestrian islands are confirmed to gradual site visitors and can present a protected place for pedestrians to face whereas crossing the road
“Creating safer streets is about more than just infrastructure. It’s about investing in the well-being of our communities,” stated Lansing Metropolis Councilmember Adam Hussain. “These pedestrian refuge islands are a critical first step in ensuring that everyone, whether walking or driving, can navigate Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard safely and confidently.”
Earl Parish, who works within the space, says an answer to dashing is far wanted.
“My girlfriend was leaving a couple weeks ago, and a driver from northbound coming southbound was doing about 75 and almost hit her,” stated Parish, who works on the Midas Automotive Service on MLK Jr. Blvd. “She didn’t see him until it was almost too late.”
Parish says he sees dashing on the highway on a regular basis.
“Every day, the same car comes by doing anywhere between 70-80 miles per hour southbound,” stated Parish. “He’s very loud, obnoxious, you can hear him pulling out of some places.”
Development on the islands is scheduled to start subsequent week, and MDOT plans to have all the things completed someday this fall. Parish welcomes the change as a result of he’s apprehensive that dashing may result in one other tragedy.
“I’m concerned about somebody getting seriously injured, possibly losing their life, or taking someone else’s life,” stated Parish.
Parish additionally stated he wish to see authorities scale back the velocity restrict alongside that part of MLK Jr. Blvd. and improve police presence within the space.
