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MDOT gathering public comments on traffic flow, pedestrian safety on US-31 in Charlevoix
November 13, 2025
GAYLORD, Mich. - As the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to develop plans to help smooth traffic flow, reduce delays, and improve pedestrian safety on US-31 through downtown Charlevoix, it is soliciting updated input from community members to help guide that process.
While MDOT has made changes and improvements in the downtown area in recent years – including introduction of the center left-turn lane, improvements to signals and crosswalks, and upgrades to the bascule bridge for safety and reliability – it is pursuing additional systemic improvements to address ongoing concerns.
An online survey will be available until Jan. 1, 2026.
During a pedestrian safety study conducted in Charlevoix in 2021, MDOT’s consultant gathered survey information about pedestrian and traffic concerns in the downtown area. Key comments included:
- Poor visibility at mid-block crossing
- Tension between drivers and pedestrians/tourists and locals
- Inattentive pedestrians
- Drivers not yielding
- Delays due to bascule bridge frustrate drivers
- Jaywalking
- Near misses
MDOT is collecting additional comments and concerns to help identify any recent changes for a more current perspective.
MDOT plans to host a public meeting in early 2026 to present draft plans for improvements in Charlevoix.
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