Plymouth Board of Public Works & Safety approves tatical urbanism project at Jefferson & Randolph

The Complete Streets committee of Plymouth received approval to implement a temporary tactical urbanism project aimed at narrowing the driving lanes of East Jefferson Street at its intersection with Randolph Street during Monday night's Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

City Attorney and Complete Streets committee member Jeff Houin said this is a collaboration between the city and the school corporation.

The proposed temporary project will take place in May and June. These two months will enable an evaluation of effectiveness during the school year and summer vacation. The project will utilize lane striping and plastic delineators to calm traffic and reduce the crossing distance at the pedestrian crossing used by students.

This temporary project will also restrict left turns off Jefferson Street onto Randolph Street in the mornings and afternoons on school days.  Signage will be added to the crossing traffic lights.  During the discussion, it was suggested that the project also restrict left turns off Randolph Street and move them onto Jefferson Street.

Board members expressed some apprehension, with Councilman Dave Morrow saying the city agreed to pay for a professional study by USI of the Jefferson Street corridor. He said he understood the project's safety aspect but was concerned about creating unrest for the citizens who use Jefferson Street in the mornings and after school.

The city attorney stated that the temporary project could be removed at any time if there were any significant issues or a complete catastrophe. 

Police Chief John Weir said they did the same thing at Washington School. As cars line up to turn left, other vehicles pass on the right. At the Randolph and Jefferson Street intersection, passing vehicles are very close to the crossing guard and students waiting to cross Jefferson Street, creating a dangerous situation. 

Houin stated that the data collected from this tactical urbanism project will be shared with USI and the initial project in front of the Coffee Lodge. The city attorney mentioned that USI might propose other options for additional tactical urbanism projects to explore before the city implements a permanent change.  

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety suggested working with the high school to provide detailed information to students and parents before the temporary project is placed. Drivers could make a left turn at the Coffee Lodge, at North Liberty or Columbus Drive, or take Michigan Street north to Baker Street.

After a lengthy discussion, the Plymouth Board of Public Works voted 3 to 2 to permit the tactical urbanism project at Jefferson and Randolph for May and June.  Councilmen Duane Culp and Dave Morrow voted against the project.