Public Meeting #2 Recap – Baker Road Intersections

On Tuesday, August 17, 2017, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) and the City of Dexter held a public meeting regarding the conversion of two intersections on Baker Road into two single-lane roundabouts.

If you missed the meeting or are interested in learning more about the project, the FAQ and displays from the meeting are presented below. You can also sign up for project updates using the sign-up below and download a PDF of our FAQ.

What is the proposed scope of work? 

The existing Baker Road intersections at Shield Road/Dongara Drive and Dan Hoey Road will be reconstructed to single-lane roundabouts, similar to what was constructed at the intersection of Scio Church Road and Wagner Road in 2017. The project also includes the reconstruction of Baker Road between the two intersections, as well as concrete curb, driveways, sidewalk, storm water management improvements, and street lights at both intersections.

Why were roundabouts chosen?

In 2015-16, WCRC and the City of Dexter conducted a Baker Road intersection improvement study in conjunction with a stakeholder group that included representatives from Dexter Community Schools, Scio Township, and the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study.  A public informational meeting was held for the study on October 14, 2015 and the report was finalized in 2016.

The intersection study generated several alternative improvements for the two intersections and  provided a contextual evaluation for each alternative. The evaluation factors included: traffic and pedestrian safety, traffic capacity and operations, construction and maintenance costs, non-motorized access, right-of-way and environmental impacts, and opportunity for place-making and aesthetic enhancements.

The preferred alternative to the existing intersections was the construction of two roundabouts.  The roundabouts option best addressed traffic/pedestrian safety and traffic capacity/operations of the intersections. The roundabout intersections also provide traffic calming which will result in slower vehicle speeds.

How will Baker Road differ from what exists today?

Baker Road will remain a two-lane road both north and south of the project.  Motorists will still experience delay during the peak AM and PM hours.  However, the new roundabout intersections will reduce speeds, improve safety for all users, and enhance traffic capacity and operations.  To learn more about the safety benefits of roundabouts, click here.

When will construction start and be completed?

WCRC and the City of Dexter plan to start work after the 2017-18 school year (June 14, 2018).  The goal is to reopen the intersections to traffic prior to the beginning of the 2018-19 school year (September 4, 2018).

Will Baker Road be open to through-traffic during construction?

Baker Road will be completely closed to through-traffic between Shield Road/Dongara Drive and Dan Hoey Road.  The posted detour route will be Jackson Road, Parker Road, Dexter-Chelsea Road, and Main Street.

How is this project funded?

WCRC and the City of Dexter received federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding totaling $1,320,000 to convert the intersections of Baker Rd/Dan Hoey Rd and Baker Rd/Shield Rd into two single-lane roundabouts.

For questions concerning the Baker Road project:

Matthew MacDonell, WCRC Assistant Director of Engineering, (734) 327-6688, macdonellm@wcroads.org.

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