MDOT PREPARING TO REMOVE DEARBORN TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT TELEGRAPH & FORDSON
The Michigan Department of Transportation is on a fast path to permanently remove the traffic signal at Fordson and Telegraph, a move that likely will encourage motorists traveling north on Telegraph between Oxford and Cherry Hill to drive even faster.
According to residents who live near the intersection, MDOT officials have already switched the signal to a flashing amber and the plan is to keep it that way for the next 90 days. After that, the traffic signal is set to be removed altogether.
It isn’t entirely clear why officials at MDOT want to remove this particular signal but for those who have tried to turn from southbound Telegraph to head north on to Telegraph, it has become increasingly difficult at peak travel times because traffic no longer stops at the light resulting in fewer gaps in the flow of vehicles. It also has become more dangerous for students walking home from Dearborn High School who have used that signal as a way to cross Telegraph.
A resident on Newton Street alerted us here at DeepSaidWhat about the pending change, explaining that the flashing amber will stay for 90 days, unless residents contact MDOT to complain. If enough residents call, MDOT may reassess their plans and perhaps return the traffic signal to the formal full operation.
Residents can contact Mike Budai at MDOT at 313-375-2400 to make clear why the traffic signal should remain. Callers should be prepared to explain why the signal should remain in operation.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Ooof!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Perhaps MDOT’s mind can be changed because I drive by that area regularly and traffic is moving there like it’s a freeway. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for people in the subdivision there to get on Telegraph, not to mention how dangerous it is entering Telegraph from that intersection.
I am calling MDOT and encourage others to also do so ASAP.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
This will be a disaster. My parents live around here and it’s very difficult to get onto Telegraph with the blinkie light; I can’t imagine it without. Apparently someone was killed there years ago and hence at least part of the reason for the light. I agree with Dave–without it traffic will speed up dramatically between Oxford and Cherry Hill. Is everyone looking forward to lots of stuffed animal and wreath roadside memorials? I find this extremely ironic when a new stop sign and cross- walk were inserted on Newman/West Village Road to the West of LaPita in front of the large marble building that has been there some ten years. Apparently it’s important to slow down 25 mile per hour traffic but not 70 mile per hour plus. I know one is state and the other is local but, this makes no sense. I would hope that the police department and city administration would campaign against the removal of the light!
January 16th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Get rid of this obstacle.
January 18th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Perhaps the quickest way to have this light remain is for many from that subdivision to attend and/or overwhelm a city council and MDOT meeting. The squeaky wheel is usually the one that gets the wheel. I know that when I ran HOA board meetings when a large majority of people wanted or didn’t want something, I simply voted with the majority of homeowners. Any MDOT or council member worth a grain of salt will do the same.
January 18th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Sorry, I meant the squeaky wheel is the one that gets the grease.
January 18th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I don’t believe MDOT has meetings or members, per se
January 19th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I’ve sent an email to MDOT. As soon as I hopefully hear back from them about the issue with this light I will post the answer.