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Residents press council on traffic, council agrees to seek MDOT review of Willowbrook/US‑12 intersection
Summary
A resident and multiple council members raised safety and congestion concerns at the Willowbrook Road/US‑12 intersection; council asked staff to prepare outreach to MDOT to request a review of signal timing and possible turn-signal or mitigation options.
A resident urged the Coldwater City Council to pursue fixes at the congested Willowbrook Road and U.S. 12 intersection, citing difficulty making left turns and increasing traffic tied in part to new businesses; council discussed options and agreed to ask staff to seek a review by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Resident David Huntley told the council: “I’m here tonight to find try to find out what this council is doing, has done to relieve the congestion out at Willowbrook and US 12… Willowbrook has, I would think, 5 times the traffic that Fisk Road has, and it's very difficult to make a left turn.” He noted new traffic generators in the area, including several dispensaries.
In unfinished business, council and staff discussed jurisdictional limits—traffic signals and signal timing on US 12 fall under MDOT’s authority—and options for action. Councilmembers suggested drafting a resolution asking MDOT to reevaluate signals and timing, perform a summer traffic analysis (rather than relying on a January study), and consider short-term enforcement or additional police presence during peak hours. Keith, the city manager, said the council could pass a resolution requesting MDOT review and that staff would bring a draft resolution for council consideration.
Councilmembers also discussed pedestrian concerns and sidewalks north and south of the intersection; staff noted a North Willowbrook sidewalk project is underway and that coordination with township and road commission jurisdictions will be necessary for adjacent segments. The council did not direct immediate construction beyond existing projects but agreed to pursue a formal request to MDOT and to follow up on intra‑governmental coordination.
