Show All Answers

1. Where is this project located?

This project will take place on Roosevelt Avenue East, from Garrison Avenue to Goodale Avenue East. The Calhoun Area Career Center is to the north, and Spring Lake and Kellogg Community College are to the south of Roosevelt in this area.

This section of Roosevelt is classified as a minor arterial road, meaning drivers typically use it for shorter trips, and it connects to busier areas and roads. The City of Battle Creek maintains this road. Currently, there are two vehicle lanes in each direction.

2. Why is the city doing this?

The city's Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (2006 version; an update now is in progress) includes a short-term project to add bike lanes on Roosevelt. This requires the vehicle lane reduction to make space for the bike lanes. We are not sure why this project was not completed in 2010, the last time this section of Roosevelt was resurfaced, but our current process involves making sure we do incorporate NMTP projects into road resurfacing.

This section is on the list for resurfacing again in 2020, so it is an opportune time to complete the bike lane project from the NMTP. 

Right now, bike lanes exist on Goodale Avenue East, and on Roosevelt, east of Garrison, so the addition of these bike lanes will offer a continuous route through this northern section of the city. The Linear Park path also travels in this area.

3. What will you do during this project?

1. Upgrade existing sidewalks to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards (such as the rumble ramps at the street).
   
   
2. Fill cracks, chip seal, and fog seal the existing pavement structure. Crews use cold, liquid asphalt to fill pavement cracks, keeping out water and further deterioration. Chip sealing is an inexpensive, effective way to extend pavement life, by sealing small chips (stones) in liquid asphalt. The fog seal is another layer of asphalt on top of the chips, to hold them in place.
   
   
3. Convert the current, four-lane configuration of the road down to three lanes, with separated bike lanes. These will be the first separated bike lanes in Battle Creek -- in each direction, there will be a five-foot bike lane, then two-to-three feet of empty space, then the 12-foot vehicle lane.

4. What is a 4-to-3 lane conversion?

A 4-to-3 lane conversion -- commonly called a "road diet" -- will use the road's existing footprint, and re-stripe it to have one travel lane in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes in each direction. Here is the proposed cross section that reflects that change:

5. What are the safety benefits?

There are a number of safety concerns addressed by a 4-to-3 lane conversion:

• A 19-47 percent overall crash reduction (mostly rear-end crashes), according to the Federal Highway Administration.
• Dedicated bike lanes separate bike traffic from vehicle traffic.
• A lane reduction like this naturally calms traffic -- it provides fewer travel lanes for pedestrians to cross, and fewer left-turn conflicts, for example.

6. Why can't bicyclists use a different route?

Bicyclists are allowed to ride on public roads -- like Roosevelt -- regardless of whether there are bike lanes. This project would make cycling safer in this area.

7. What is the impact to vehicle traffic?

For this project, the Engineering team compared average daily traffic (ADT) volume on this section of Roosevelt to other roads where similar projects have taken place. They found that this section will accommodate a traffic lane reduction, and have no concerns about traffic here.

As an example, this section of Roosevelt sees 6,610 ADT. Capital Avenue SW, near Golden Avenue, sees 16,000 ADT -- a much higher volume -- but also experience a traffic lane reduction, and addition of bike lanes.

8. What will the Roosevelt/North Avenues intersection look like?

This graphic shows the proposed configuration of traffic and bike lanes at Roosevelt Avenue and North Avenue. Currently there are two vehicle lanes in each direction at the intersection. This project will change the configuration, so there is a dedicated turn lane. We do not expect this will change the timing of the traffic signal.

9. Can cars use the center turn lane to pass Battle Creek Transit buses at stops?

No. The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits this. Buses will continue to use this route, and drivers following buses may experience delays in this section.

10. What is the construction schedule?

We expect construction to begin in the summer of 2020. Watch the city's website, social media, and other communication media for updated and specific information. Traffic will be able to get through this area during construction.

11. Who do I contact with additional questions?

Carl Fedders, city engineer and assistant director of the Department of Public Works, at 269-966-3343 or cefedders@battlecreekmi.gov.

The city's Engineering team will hold a public open house about this project from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St. Staff would like any public input on this project, at the open house, by phone or email, or via social media, so please share your comments in whichever way you feel most comfortable. Thank you!