GAYLORD, Mich. - To help improve safety and reduce confusion for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin a trial four-way stop Aug. 27 at the M-88 (Cayuga Street/Bridge Street) turn in downtown Bellaire.
Currently, M-88 through-traffic does not stop at the intersection, which has a 90-degree turn for highway traffic. This configuration has resulted in confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the intersection and some crashes, delays for side-street traffic waiting to enter the intersection, and limits opportunities for safe crosswalks at that turn in the highway.
"Changing this intersection to a four-way stop is intended to improve drivers' understanding of traffic movement and introduces potential opportunities for additional safe and comfortable crossings for pedestrians in the downtown area," said MDOT Gaylord Transportation Service Center (TSC) Traffic and Safety Engineer Andrew Krzisnik. "Beginning this trial ahead of the Labor Day weekend will give us a good indication of how this change will affect flow during times of peak traffic."
Stop signs will be placed for westbound and southbound M-88 traffic approaching the intersection.
There is no end date currently scheduled for the trial. Success of the trial will be based on MDOT-observed traffic flow and delays, and no reduction in safe operation.
