UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Lake Lansing Road is now currently closed due to construction beginning. Drivers are urged to follow posted detours.






ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Changes are coming to Lake Lansing Road from Saginaw Highway to east of Lac du Mont Drive.

At the Township Board meeting on Tuesday, May 19th, the Board approved decreasing the stretch of road from four lanes to three, and adding a paved shoulder for pedestrians and bicyclists. The new roadway will include one lane of traffic in each direction and a center left-turn lane. The item was passed 6-1 and is compliant with the Township's Complete Street Policy.

In addition to those changes, some one hundred trees were removed on properties along Lake Lansing Road, so the construction can meet the safety requirements of the design.

"It will provide a one through lane in each direction instead of the current two, a center left turn lane to make a turn more safely into the various side streets and the school around here without thru traffic stopping behind the left turner," said Bill Conklin, Managing Director of the Ingham County Road Department.

Conklin also says there is typically a 50% reduction in accidents when a center lane is implemented. Sidewalks will also be installed continuing down Lake Lansing past Lac du Mont Drive.

A public hearing was held one year ago for citizens to come and discuss any issues with the project and none have been brought up thus far. Overall the diet is strongly supported by both residents and the township officials.

Detours will be in effect starting early-to-mid June, when sewer and construction work begins.

The Ingham County Road Department also requests that residents remove any fencing or other landscaping to avoid damage to their property.