Roseville to invest $1.2 million on improving walking, biking in Utica Junction neighborhood
Roseville city officials plan to spend $1.2 million on a streetscape modernization project along a three-block stretch of the Utica Junction neighborhood to spruce up transportation priorities of the area.
The city recently received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant from SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, to address the west side of Gratiot Avenue, between Martin and Victor roads.
Officials said the project is aimed at enhancing the sidewalks for people with disabilities and better connecting to transit.
“This will help us improve our Downtown Development Authority’s overall appearance and accessibility,” said City Manager Ryan Monroe.
“Our DDA is located at the intersection of Utica Road and Gratiot Avevue and is often referred to as the Historic Utica Junction. The Tap Grant will modernize our historic downtown area while ensuring retention of it’s historic elegance.”
SEMCOG awarded a $727,580 grant to Roseville, which is contributing about $472,420 from its general fund, for a total of $1.2 million.
According to a concept map drawn up by the engineering firm of Anderson, Eckstein Westrick, the funding will pay for park benches, bike racks, wayfinding signage, cafe tables and seats, ADA ramps and parking spaces, bollards, and lighting replacements.
The grant also will finance electric vehicle parking spaces and an EV charging station near Victor Street.
According to a news release, TAP funds support the policies included in SEMCOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan for Southeast Michigan and recently adopted Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Plan. These projects are aimed at helping communities to implement local solutions in order to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
“Creating a transportation system that provides access for everyone begins with safety,” said Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG’s executive director. “Each of these projects will make a significant difference in the ability of all people, especially those who walk or bike, to reach their destinations with greater comfort and safety.”
The Roseville project was one of seven approved by SEMCOG and the only one in Macomb County to win funding. Others include:
- Oakland County — City of Troy
Project description: 1.5 miles of facilities comprised of shared-use paths and sidewalks, filling in three major gaps within the city’s bicycle and pedestrian network.
Award: $1,685,670
- Oakland County — City of Novi
Project description: A shared-use pathway and boardwalk connecting the city’s ITC trail network to Bosco Fields and Beck Road.
Award: $578,900
- Oakland County — City of Southfield
Project description: A shared-use pathway along Nine Mile Road, between Evergreen and Southfield roads.
Award: $533,650
- St. Clair County — City of St. Clair
Project description: A sidewalk gap filling project along Cox Road from Clinton Avenue to Vine Street, connecting residents to St. Clair High School.
Award: $246,740
- Wayne County — City of Wyandotte
Project description: A sidewalk modernization project within the downtown area, which directly connects to the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way.
Award: $462,470
- Wayne County — City of Harper Woods
Project description: A sidewalk modernization project consisting of approximately 20 locations, sporadically throughout the city.
Award: $170,100
SEMCOG officials say all seven projects address the transportation safety and accessibility needs of people walking and biking. They are noteworthy as they also meet SEMCOG’s target of sidewalk and shared-use path modernization, a target that helps the region address its aging infrastructure, while increasing transportation equity.