Westland council accepts SEMCOG grant to add sidewalk and improve crossings at Marquette and Newburgh

Westland City leaders accepted a grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to fund pedestrian safety improvements at the Marquette and Newburgh intersection, city officials said.

"This grant, will result in a significant investments in pedestrian safety and equity, in the city of Westland," Building and Planning Director Moe Aube told the council, describing a project that will include a new 5-foot sidewalk on the north side of Marquette, pedestrian-signal upgrades, improved crossing visibility and timing, and connections to nearby destinations including John Glenn High School, Tannen Park and transit stops. Aube said engineering and design will begin this year with construction anticipated after required approvals.

A SEMCOG representative said the Transportation Alternatives program targets projects such as trails, bike lanes and safer crossings. "Keeping people safe, improving our connectivity," the representative said, noting the program’s focus on safety and access to transit.

Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) thanked the planning director and SEMCOG and said the corridor sees heavy traffic and has experienced pedestrian incidents, making the work a priority for student and resident safety.

City staff said the project advances goals in Westland’s recent Safe Streets for All plan and that the city will coordinate design work with SEMCOG and MDOT. Officials indicated the council accepted the grant at the meeting and participated in a photo opportunity with SEMCOG representatives.

Next steps: design and coordination with SEMCOG and MDOT, followed by engineering approvals and construction scheduling. The council did not provide a construction timetable beyond the statement that design work will begin this year and construction will follow approvals.