New pavement markings to help drivers on northbound South Michigan Street at Pennsylvania Avenue

A citizen recently contacted City Councilman Don Ecker with concerns about the northbound intersection of South Michigan Street at Pennsylvania Avenue.

During Monday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Ecker told Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt and board members about the issue that had happened. A driver was northbound on South Michigan Street at the viaduct and wanted to make a right turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue. He was in the driving lane waiting to make his turn when another vehicle pulled onto the bike lane to make a right turn.

Ecker said, fortunately, the driver in the driving lane observed the vehicle and waited to make his right turn until that vehicle proceeded on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

The street Superintendent said there is a painted island between the bike lane and the driving lane that vehicles are not to cross. He said he has obtained a purchase order for thermal plastic pavement markings that will indicate to drivers that they should remain in the driving lane, whether continuing north on Michigan Street or turning right onto Pennsylvania Avenue.  Marquardt said there will be two arrow signs placed on the pavement.    

The Street Superintendent isn’t sure when Air Marking Corporation out of Rochester will get to the job because it’s such a small project. They said that when they are in the area, they will complete it.