Sterling Heights wins $634,560 SEMCOG grant for Saul and Stadler Road safety upgrades
Loading...
Summary
The city announced a $634,560 federal TAP grant (20% local match) to fund traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety upgrades along Saul Road and Stadler Road, including a raised crosswalk at Grebner Elementary, RRFBs, curb extensions and other measures timed for construction in summer 2027.
City Manager Mark Vanderpool and City Engineer Brent Bayshaw told the Sterling Heights City Council that the city has secured a federal transportation alternatives program grant to fund safety improvements along Saul Road and Stadler Road.
“The primary goal is to make Saul Road and Stadler Road safer for non-motorized transportation in the corridor,” City Engineer Brent Bayshaw said, outlining a $634,560 federal award with a 20 percent local match and an anticipated construction window in the summer of 2027.
The project grew from the city’s Transportation Safety Action Plan and Vision Zero goals. Bayshaw cited pedestrian and cyclist involvement in serious or fatal crashes and public input requesting improved crossings. Planned measures include relocating the Grebner Elementary crossing away from drive approaches, removing an extra travel lane across the school frontage, a raised crosswalk, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), push-button systems, pavement striping, curb extensions (bump-outs) and pedestrian refuge/island treatments to shorten crossing distances and slow traffic.
Amy O’Leary of the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) congratulated the city, saying regional review committees favor projects that prioritize school- and park-related safety. Utica Community Schools’ representative noted Grebner Elementary is already undergoing reconstruction this summer and the city’s project will add another layer of improvements in 2027.
City staff said the grant will be used to leverage additional funding and is expected to increase safety for children walking and biking to schools and parks. Construction timing, coordination with Utica Community Schools’ own 2026 improvements, and final design details will be developed through the city’s engineering and planning review process.
Council members did not object to moving forward with design and coordination; no separate council ordinance or appropriation was presented at the meeting. The city will return with implementation details as designs and contracts are finalized.
