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ALPENA -- As the congestion on and near the M-32 corridor increases, so does the risk of crashes and injuries.
Development over the last several years has increased traffic in that area and new forthcoming projects could do so again, especially near the intersections of M-32 and Bagley Street, and Third Avenue and Hobbs Drive.
To help prepare for more possible traffic congestion, local municipal partners are working together to formulate a plan, which could include bypass roads and a roundabout.
Alpena Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe said the township, City of Alpena, Alpena County, Alpena County Road Commission, and the Michigan Department of Transportation recently began discussions about having a new Alpena Area-Wide Comprehensive Transportation Plan drafted.
The plan was last updated in 2003 and much has changed in the region since. Skibbe said having a traffic plan helps prepare for potential issues in the future, while protecting residents and visitors from wrecks.
One option, considered in the last update, is extending Third Avenue to Tamarack Road. That would give drivers another option besides utilizing Bagley Street and M-32 at the intersection.
It would also help relieve traffic to and from Thunder Bay Junior High School, where motorists only have one entrance and exit route.
Skibbe said in the past, MDOT wasn't on board with the plan because Tamarack Road and Walter Street don't align. Residents who live at the end of Third Avenue also objected to the plan, Skibbe said.
If MDOT constructs a proposed roundabout at the intersection of M-32 and Bagley Street -- which it has budgeted for in its six-year Transportation Program plan -- Skibbe said a second roundabout near Tamarack Road and Walter Street could offset the alignment problem.
Skibbe said there has been no discussions with the state on a second roundabout, but he said all options need to be considered and a new area traffic plan helps present options.
"The development and congestion has gotten the attention of MDOT, " Skibbe said. "All of our concern is with safety for pedestrians and motorists. There are two schools nearby and we just want to be responsible and make sure we have a plan in place to keep everyone safe. It could also lead to even more development."
Another benefit of having a bypass built utilizing Third Avenue, Skibbe said, is it would allow for infrastructure that is absent in that area now, to be installed.
"It really is an opportunity for infrastructure extension and greater flexibility for more businesses, and housing," Skibbe said. "Housing is a big need and this could maybe help with it."