US-31 Traffic and Pedestrian Improvements - Charlevoix

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main problems MDOT is looking to address in downtown Charlevoix?

  The main problems on US-31 in downtown Charlevoix depend on who you ask. For local residents who are mainly trying to get through the downtown area on their way to school or work, drivers are frustrated when pedestrians in the downtown area step out from the sidewalks anywhere on the corridor and stop traffic, rather than using designated crossings. For pedestrians in the downtown area, many of whom are visitors from other areas, a shortage of pedestrian crosswalks with signals may lead them to try crossing in other locations they find more convenient for their destination. Unfortunately, there have also been crashes involving pedestrians resulting in severe injuries and deaths.

• How has MDOT gathered information about the issues downtown?

  In addition to gathering traffic counts, measuring delay, observing driver and pedestrian behaviors, and reviewing traffic crash reports, MDOT commissioned a study of the downtown in 2021. During that study, MDOT’s consultant surveyed pedestrians and drivers about pedestrian and traffic concerns in the downtown area. Key comments included:

  • Poor visibility at mid-block crossings
  • Tension between drivers and pedestrians, tourists and locals
  • Inattentive pedestrians
  • Drivers not yielding
  • Delays due to bascule bridge frustrating drivers
  • Jaywalking
  • Near misses
• Has MDOT done any more recent studies or surveys?

  While developing its proposed plans to address ongoing concerns, MDOT conducted a follow-up online survey in November/December 2025 with three questions. Nearly 400 people responded before the survey closed on Jan. 1, 2026. The three questions were:

  •          What is your biggest concern with traffic flow or pedestrian safety in downtown Charlevoix?
  •          Has this concern improved, stayed the same or gotten worse in recent years?
  •          What change or changes would you like to see in the downtown area to improve traffic flow or pedestrian safety?
• What did people say was their biggest concern?

  Some of the most frequent comments were that some crosswalks have poor visibility, particularly at the mid-block crossing at Van Pelt Alley; that the bascule bridge openings on the half-hour cause delays; that pedestrians are not using crosswalks, are jaywalking and step out in front of traffic unexpectedly; and that some drivers are inattentive, arrogant and aggressive. Less frequent concerns included noting that traffic backups endanger pedestrians; there are too many crosswalks; there are too many festivals and roadway closures; that on-street parking results in delays and visibility issues; and that pedestrians don’t use the crossing beneath the bascule bridge to cross US-31. Other concerns included:

  • Needing longer green time at Mason Street/US-31 (Bridge Street) traffic signal
  • Little room for bicyclists
  • No left-turn lane on northbound US-31 at Antrim Street
  • Misuse of center left-turn lane for merging
  • Slow traffic, traffic delays
  • Drivers stopping for pedestrians who do not have right of way
  • Traffic too fast
• Did people think the concerns they raised have improved, stayed the same or gotten worse?

  The vast majority of respondents said their concerns had gotten worse (including such adverbs as "much," "way," "exponentially," and "significantly!"). Some of the attributed reasons included more larger vehicles, inattentive pedestrians, drivers using the turn lane to pass, festivals and special events, the mid-block and unsignalized crosswalks, the three-lane conversion, more boat traffic resulting in more bridge openings, parking on Bridge Street, increased vehicle traffic, and E-bikes, bicycles and E-scooters adding to congestion.

  Comparatively few people thought their concerns stayed the same or improved, but of those who said it improved, they attributed it to removal of the north Bridge Street crosswalk at Clinton, placement of cement flower-pot barriers, and the three-lane conversion.