Changes to Intersection of M52 & Pleasant Lake Road Possible

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently conducted a traffic study of an area of concern to many Manchester area residents and commuters. The traffic study found M-52 from Grass Lake Road to Manchester Village was a high speed, high traffic zone. They noted that the intersection of M52 and Pleasant Lake HWY warranted special concern due to the fact that many commuters use those roads. MDOT relayed their conclusion to Sharon Township Supervisor Peter Psarouthakis which is that a three light stop light should be placed at the intersection but that they did not anticipate any movement on installing the light for over a year though since Pleasant Lake road is under the jurisdiction of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), which would need to be consulted.

Psarouthakis then received the news, last week, that installation of a 3 light traffic light is in jeopardy. A 3 light traffic light would require turn lanes to be added to Pleasant Lake road at an estimated cost of $300,000.00. Such funds are unavailable, although MDOT and WCRC are willing to discuss finding ways to raise the funds. An interim solution of turning the intersection into a four way stop was proposed. Psarouthakis was told installation of all necessary signage would begin, “a few weeks to a few months from now.”

Psarouthakis is “very disappointed.” with the interim solution and vague timelines. He has been working with Manchester Township Supervisor Gene DeRossett, and Pastor Peter Harris, to get a 3 light traffic light placed at the M52/Pleasant Lake road for a while. Harris is Pastor at Sharon United Methodist church. The church, which sits on the corner of Pleasant Lake Road and M52, was struck in a single car crash this April. The April crash was the latest fatality at the intersection, which has seen many crashes at, or near it in the past few year.

With not only local traffic, but commuters from surrounding counties using the stretch of M52 North of Manchester; whatever MDOT and WCRC decide to do about M52/Pleasant Lake Road will have a broad impact. Psarouthakis urged those concerned to contact their state representative.

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by Danielle Muntz

Danielle lives in Manchester Township and has many interests which she takes part in with varying degrees of success. She can be reached at Danielle.Does.Stuff@gmail.com.