HASLETT - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Meridian Township Board have been collaborating to improve the safety of the intersections of Newton and Towner Road along the I-69 Business Loop M-78/Saginaw Highway corridor.

MDOT has previously proposed updates to the highway corridor to the Township Board, who then suggested that a non-motorized crossing at Newton Road be included in the design and constructed as part of the project.

During the Township Board meeting on March 20, Township Trustee Phil Deschaine said that, "The crossing at Towner Road was also discussed, and it was determined that MDOT would be willing to provide a crossing at the intersection once development occurs, and the pathway is constructed in that area." The updates to the intersections in question are to help improve safety to both traffic, and pedestrians.

The Michigan Department of Transportation's Corridor Improvement Project is expected to begin early 2019.