Hartland Voices Their Traffic Concerns

Many Hartland residents spoke up yesterday after a conversation was started on Patch by resident Colleen Wesley regarding some of the area’s worst traffic issues, specifically the Blaine Rd. intersection on M-59.

"(I) am amazed at how many drivers coming WB on M-59, enter the turning lanes, and continue to travel straight across M-59 onto Blaine, between Wendy’s and Burger King, by running the red light,” Wesley wrote.

Many people agreed with Wesley addressing their own concerns with unclear traffic signage or drivers who are confused or just simply chose to break the law.

“I also travel through the Blaine Rd. and M-59 traffic light daily and I have seen so many traffic violations that I actually expect them,” Patricia Nouhan wrote. “When my friends come to visit I warn them about the confusing nature of the traffic flow and many of them comment on how they could never live near such an unsafe corner with so many turn-arounds."

The M-59 interchange road design, approved by MDOT engineers, is considered to be safer than what previously existed, according to Hartland Township Public Works Director Robert West and was designed to meet the needs of higher volumes and help the flow of traffic.

However, as a Hartland resident who also travels the same roads on a regular basis, West said he not only sympathizes with the complaints, but understands them as well. 

"Ultimately what's happening is people are breaking the law and we can do as much as we want as far as signs, but people are still going to do it, unfortunately," West said. "They believe it's an easier option to break the law, make the turn and go."

Due to the fact that M-59 is a state-owned road, Hartland Township also has no authority or control over the design, layout and signage currently in place and West explains that any changes or modifications will have to done by MDOT.

"They’re in control of it,” he said. “While the Township will be an advocate to the Department of Transportation and give them feedback, ultimately, there’s not a decision or corrective measure that can come from the Township.”

“There must be something more done to make the area drivers aware of the rules,” Nouhan had continued in her Patch post. “The fact that the traffic violations are so consistent is proof that the current design and signage isn't working. There is a solution to every problem. Let's find one to this one.”