• Intersection of Jolly and Okemos Roads

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Bumper to bumper traffic is nothing new to the intersection of Okemos and Jolly Roads. At any point during the day, lines of cars can be seen waiting for the green light. For anyone who takes the route regularly, the feeling of frustration can often be associated.

That is why the Ingham County Road Department is working to change some things to ease the crowding of traffic.

"Any construction on the intersection will be a great improvement to the area," said Meridian Township's Director of Public Works & Engineering Ray Severy. "The intersection of Okemos and Jolly is congested and very complicated to drive."

Construction to the area will include additional turn lanes, a through-lane and center left-turn lane to Okemos Road, and a new turn signal.

With the Jackson National Life Insurance company building a 260,000-square-foot office, additional traffic is expected to go through the intersection and the road department plans to help transition to an easier traffic route.

Construction to the Jolly and Okemos Roads intersection isn't officially in the works, and could eventually result in traffic overload.

The decision to approve construction is not only up to the community, but to the businesses owners as well.

"If there are key business frontages that the owners do not want the work to occur, and are not willing to commit right away that could be a problem," said Managing Director of the Ingham County Road Department Bill Conklin. "That may result in certain turn lanes not being constructed or possibly the whole project not proceeding."

Conklin also says if the plan isn't approved, partial construction on either road could still happen if agreements are met.