Lapeer Commission OKs design study for Genesee Street road diet and new pedestrian crossing

The Lapeer City Commission voted to authorize staff to pursue design work for a Genesee Street road diet and a pedestrian crossing between M‑24 and Saginaw Street, following a multi-hour discussion that focused on pedestrian safety, traffic backups and cost.

City Manager (unnamed) opened the discussion, saying the design would examine whether modifications would meet Michigan Department of Transportation standards and would help connect Crampton Park to downtown. The commission motion to pursue design work was made by Commissioner Swindell and supported by Commissioner Glisman; the commission carried the motion by voice vote.

Engineers and staff told commissioners the project would include options such as narrowing the travelway from four lanes to three, adding a marked pedestrian crossing with or without a raised refuge/island, connecting sidewalks to the park and maintaining bike lanes where…