Van Buren DDA gets $774,620 grant for Belleville Road updates

The Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was informed last week that it has been awarded $774,620 of state funds through Wayne County to upgrade Belleville Road from the South I-94 Service Drive to Tyler Road to make it safer.
Work is expected to begin in July.
Each year, the State of Michigan distributes highway funding (ACT 51 funds) to counties, cities and villages that have roadway ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
This year, the State allocated $6.3 million to Wayne County to fund one-time only projects. Funded projects require a focus upon safety improvements.
According to SEMCOG data, the section of Belleville Road from I-94 to Tyler is rated 13th highest for crashes in Wayne County, with an average of 56 collisions per year.
In a press release sent out April 23 by the VBT Supervisor’s office, it was claimed many of these crashes are avoidable through the use of modern signal equipment and coordination of the traffic signals in the corridor.
At its April 2 special meeting, DDA members voted to apply for this grant to improve safety along Belleville Road, and match the road’s streetscape to promote business development throughout the VBT DDA District, referred to as the township’s “downtown.”
VBT DDA was one of 11 projects to be approved for funding in Wayne County. Thirty-eight had applied.
Project highlights
The new signals at intersections will be similar to the equipment being installed at the Ecorse/Belleville Road intersection.
• All traffic signals replaced from Tyler Road south to the South I-94 Service Drive will include mast arms and illuminated street name signs.
• Six existing traffic signals will be replaced with modern equipment.
• A new traffic signal will be added between Meijer and Walmart as part of the township’s access management plan for Belleville Road.
• The project will also address deteriorated pavement areas, broken curbs, emergency prep timing, and noncompliant pedestrian ramps.
Pedestrian countdown signals in conjunction with the improved pedestrian ramp facilities is expected to increase safety for pedestrians and improve overall walkability of the corridor.
DDA Executive Director Susan Ireland said the DDA Board is eager to address the safety issues on Belleville Road with the potential for attracting a thriving business community to downtown Van Buren on Belleville Road, connecting it to the City of Belleville’s downtown.
“This expansive project is able to be performed because of the conscientious and fiscally responsible DDA board, which was able to financially match and even enhance the project without seeking loans or bonds to fund the endeavor,” Ireland said.
“The Belleville Road renovation project will bring safety to its pedestrians and travelers and promote an attractive thriving business community in downtown Van Buren Township.”