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Charlotte council approves request to MDOT to convert M-79 (Lawrence Avenue) from four to three lanes
Summary
After extended debate, the Charlotte City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-03 asking the Michigan Department of Transportation to convert M-79/Lawrence Avenue from four lanes to a three-lane configuration with a center turn lane, with councilmembers citing improved safety and intersection flow.
Charlotte — The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to approve Resolution 2026-03 requesting that the Michigan Department of Transportation convert M-79 (Lawrence Avenue) from four lanes to a three-lane configuration with a center turn lane.
Councilmember Mark Christensen, who moved the resolution, said MDOT’s plans include a controlled center turn lane that will reduce the number of vehicles blocking travel lanes for left turns. "MDOT has assured the City that traffic flow would improve because the controlled left turn lane would prevent vehicles from blocking travel lanes," Christensen said during the meeting.
Stephanie Whitney, director of public works, said the conversion would improve intersection level-of-service ratings from the current "D" toward "A" or "B," provide a 4.5–5-foot buffer for parallel parking and give wider turn radii for emergency vehicles. "At major intersections, the center turn lane would become dedicated left-turn lanes," Whitney said.
Councilmember Ricardo Rodriguez acknowledged his initial skepticism but said his review of the study persuaded him the project would likely improve flow. Councilmember Aaron Scott, who seconded the motion, said he was similarly convinced after reviewing plans. From a safety standpoint, Councilmember Lisa Neumann said the dedicated turn lane would reduce hazardous passing maneuvers and improve clearance for emergency vehicles.
Councilmember Brummette expressed reservations about one intersection in particular—Lincoln and Lawrence—saying he would prefer a traffic signal there; Whitney replied that installing a traffic light would require a separate traffic study and additional funding and so would not be part of the current MDOT request. Mayor Fullerton cited experience with a prior Lansing Street conversion and said it ultimately reduced accidents.
The council’s approval was recorded by roll-call vote as unanimous. Councilmembers and staff noted the conversion could be restriped back to four lanes if the changes did not produce the anticipated improvements.
The resolution asks MDOT to proceed with the conversion and related striping changes; additional elements such as signal installation would require separate studies and funding. The council approved the request and will now await MDOT’s next steps.
