Marshall’s downtown experiences a ‘road diet’

MDOT-funded project reduces lanes and improves crosswalks

By Lucy Hough / For Black Squirrel News

MARSHALL — Marshall’s downtown traffic has changed after recent construction reduced the number of lanes. The project, funded entirely by the Michigan Department of Transportation, was presented to residents and approved by City Council in January 2025. It will be completed this year after funding delays.

What work was done in downtown Marshall? The project includes a reduction from four lanes to three. Instead of two lanes in both directions, there is now one lane in each direction and a center turn lane. A “buffer” was also added between the driving lane and parking spots on both sides of the street. These buffers are not bike lanes. Additionally, a new mid-block pedestrian crossing was installed in front of Hemmingsen Drug Store. Also, four sidewalks were reconstructed at the roundabout at Brooks Fountain.

When will this work occur? The resurfacing and striping of the new lane configuration occurred during night construction the final weekend in August. Before the end of the construction season, the remaining work includes a pedestrian concrete median island at the new crossing.

What’s the benefit? According to City Manager Derek Perry, there are two primary purposes to the lane reduction downtown.

• Increase safety: Perry said that the new configuration should reduce rear-end collisions and sideswipes, as well as reduce speeds. From 2019 to 2023, 83 crashes occurred on Michigan Avenue between Kalamazoo and Marshall avenues, including nine with injuries.
• Improve quality of life: The change will decrease traffic noise and speed, which are two of the most common complaints the city receives related to traffic downtown. Perry said, this change is a way to address citizen’s concerns.

Where did this idea come from? One of the goals in the City of Marshall’s Master Plan, which was approved last year, was to improve walkability and connectivity in the community. This project was presented as an example of master plan implementation, with renderings similar to what was constructed.

How we reported this: Questions were sent to City Manager Derek Perry about the project, who shared materials presented during public meetings. The 2025 Master Plan approved by City Council on Sept. 15, 2025 was also reviewed.