The Michigan Department of Transportation is currently seeking public input on a draft of its North Region Active Transportation Plan, which will highlight current and proposed nonmotorized connections throughout the northernmost 21 counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
[Above photo by Michigan DOT]
The agency said it worked with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), private firm Networks Northwest, and local communities throughout those 21 counties to develop this plan, which will formally “assemble” both current and future separated pathways, bike lanes, wide shoulders, sidewalk connections, and regional trails into a single system.
Michigan DOT said the current draft of the plan will be available through May 17 for public feedback.
The agency added that the overarching goal of this plan is to provide safe places for state residents and visitors to walk or bike; increase opportunities for improved health and wellbeing; access to recreational areas throughout the northern portion of lower Michigan; and spur the use of alternative forms of transportation for travel.
“This plan will be used to guide decision-making and development of future active transportation facilities,” said Heidi Phaneuf, Michigan DOT’s North Region planner, in a statement.
“We are thankful for the support of all the trail groups, local governments, transportation agencies and tribal partners that helped in the development of this plan – sharing their visions that were woven together into this document,” she noted.
