Title
Resolution to Authorize Acquisition of Easements for the Nixon Corridor Improvement Project (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
The Nixon Road Corridor Study, completed in 2017, heard and documented concerns from residents and property owners along the corridor throughout the study process, with key focal points being safety, non-motorized facilities, and user-delays. Three options were studied and analyzed in an effort to address these concerns. Only one option, the roundabout corridor, addressed all of the concerns. This option would add roundabouts at various locations in the corridor, while improving non-motorized facilities, safety, and operations.
On May 15, 2017, the City Council directed staff to design the corridor improvements. The design was completed in early 2020, which included improvements on Nixon from Huron Parkway to just south of M-14 (not including the Dhu Varren Road Roundabout). The project was placed on the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to be constructed in 2025. In 2024, Wade Trim, a City engineering consultant, finalized the design, and revised the project limits to be from north of Huron Parkway to just south of Dhu Varren Road. The portion of the project north of Dhu Varren Road will be considered for construction at a future date. The design includes the incorporation of roundabouts at Sandalwood, Bluett/Meade Court and Traver, a new median, a buffered bicycle lane in both directions, lighting and landscape improvements, a new 16-inch watermain, and stormwater management improvements. Additional easement area along the corridor is required to accommodate the proposed project improvements.
The City is working toward having the project put out to bid through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Agency Program in the Fall of 2024, with construction planned to begin in Spring 2025.
Before the City can submit the project to MDOT for review and bidding, the City needs to obtain permanent and temporary easement...
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