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1. Which streets might be changed from one-way to two-way?

The City expects to change the following six one-way streets to two-way:

• Capital Ave. and Grand Ave. (from I-496 to Oakland Ave.)
• Walnut St. and Pine St. (from I-496 to Oakland Ave.)
• Ottawa St. and Allegan St. (from MLK Blvd. to Grand Ave.)

2. Why are the streets being converted to two-way?

The one-way streets are being converted to two-way for the following reasons:

• Better for Businesses - Studies haven shown that businesses on two-way streets generate more sales. Two-way streets make finding businesses and parking easier for customers and clients.
• Simple Routing - Two-way streets are easier for drivers to navigate around the downtown. Two-way streets also simplify the accessibility to and from CATA bus stops.
• Safety - Traffic tends to move slower on two-way streets, which can reduce the severity of crashes, making both pedestrians and motorists feel more at ease.
• Emergency Response - Two-way streets enable police, fire and EMS to respond quicker.
• Environmental - Two-way streets allow for more direct routing, decreasing the distance that motorists have to travel as well as the amount of emissions that create.

3. Will there be other changes beside two-way streets?

The City views this conversion as an opportunity to improve some pedestrian crossings and to expand the downtown bike network, so there will be some other changes in addition to the two-way conversion. Those changes include:

• Curbs at some of the intersections will be modified.
• One-way bikes lanes, in addition to the planned facilities on Kalamazoo Ave. and Shiawassee Ave., are being considered.
• Generally, on-street parking spaces will remain, but a few that are seldom used may be removed.

4. Who is leading this project? Since these are Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) streets, what is their position on the change to two-way?

This project is being led by the City of Lansing’s Department of Public Service - Engineering Division. As for MDOT, they will be involved in the analysis and conversion to two-way operation. The City is in negotiations with MDOT to transfer jurisdiction of two and a half of the streets to the City of Lansing as a part of the overall project. After jurisdiction has been transferred, the City will take over the responsibility for the design, implementation and ongoing maintenance of those streets.

5. When will the changes be implemented?

Conversion is scheduled to begin in the late summer of 2020. Changes may be phased in with signs to alert people of the changes in advance.

6. How much will the change cost? How is it being funded?

The City of Lansing received a $3.3 million grant. The grant should cover the costs to convert traffic signals to two-way and upgrades, along with changes to pavement markings, signs and some intersection curb radii.

7. Will this project involve resurfacing of the roads?

No, this project will not include resurfacing of the road. The primary changes will include: 

• Changes to signage
• Changes to striping
• Changes to traffic signals