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Madison Heights wins SEMCOG TAP grant for pedestrian safety upgrades
Summary
City planner Matthew Launerstatter told council Madison Heights won a SEMCOG Transportation Alternatives Program grant to add rectangular rapid flashing beacons at three crossings and two mini traffic-calming islands, with construction expected in spring 2027 and a 20% local match required.
Madison Heights will add pedestrian crossings and neighborhood traffic-calming features after the city received a regionally administered Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, council heard Tuesday.
City planner Matthew Launerstatter presented the award and said the package includes four RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacon) sets and two mini traffic-calming islands. "The project covers about 4 RRFBs ... and 2 mid block mini traffic calming islands," Launerstatter said, describing chosen locations as Concord Drive, East Whitcomb Avenue and 11 Mile Road for RRFBs and Wolverine Street for the islands. He said the sites were selected using the Southeast Oakland County safety action plan, the city’s Vision Zero-style resolution, the Madison Heights master plan and recent streetscape work.
Launerstatter described the funding and schedule the city presented to SEMCOG: a federal TAP award layered with a 20% local match. He said the total project cost is about $225,000, with a 20% local match of roughly $45,000. "Anticipated construction start is in the spring of 2027, hopefully with completion by the end of summer 2027," he said.
A representative from SEMCOG thanked the city and presented a ceremonial check, noting TAP funds come from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and are distributed regionally. Mayor Haines said the improvements are focused in places where residents already walk, access transit or visit local businesses and that the projects will improve visibility and slow traffic.
Launerstatter cited national research during the presentation, saying RRFB systems can boost driver yielding and reduce crashes for people walking or biking. Councilmembers praised staff and SEMCOG for winning the funding and urged careful resident communication for disruptive work — particularly for the Wolverine Street traffic islands, which will alter roadway operations.
Construction timing, final engineering and maintenance responsibilities will be resolved during design and contracting; the planner said limited maintenance costs are anticipated to be handled by the Department of Public Services and through Act 51 major roads funding where applicable. The council did not take a formal vote on the presentation; the award was celebrated and staff will move into project implementation steps.
