Visiting Belle Isle? Expect better traffic flow and a two-way track for cyclists.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Monday that parkgoers will see significant improvements with traffic flow on the island by the close of next week and – weather permitting – the cycle track should be completed by Friday.
The changes are among the projects outlined in the Belle Isle Park Multimodal Mobility Study, a 2.5-year study conducted to craft recommendations to ease traffic congestion, enhance accessibility and increase public safety for all park users.
Detroit residents and park visitors have long complained about speeding, distracted driving and crashes on Belle Isle, including a fatal summer hit-and-run crash in recent years that killed a young beachgoer. Transportation advocates have decried fatal crashes and frequent accidents resulting from what they contend is unsafe infrastructure that has prioritized vehicles over pedestrians and bicyclists. Some have called for vehicles to be banned from the park.
To streamline the flow of traffic, Central Avenue will transition to two-way vehicular traffic from Picnic Way to Portage Way. The scenic route through the wet mesic flatwoods – a 200-acre forested wetland in the center of the island – will shift direction, moving from one-way eastbound to one-way westbound traffic.
“Providing additional westbound traffic from the east end of the park will support reducing traffic congestion on Riverbank, particularly at the beach area, where traffic congestion has been identified as a safety concern,” Amanda Treadwell, urban area field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said in a statement.
The two-way track will provide for a separate bicycle loop along the perimeter of the 982-acre island. To further enhance safety, the DNR said, the MacArthur Bridge entry and exit points will feature high-visibility road markings and signage to guide cyclists and drivers through crossings.
“This new, two-way cycle lane will help advance our goal of enhanced multimodal mobility and recreation opportunities in the park,” Treadwell added. “We’re asking high-speed cyclists to use the road’s cycle track, which allows walkers and casual riders to safely enjoy the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trail at their own speed.”
The traffic pattern work next week on Central Avenue will result in a full road closure from Picnic way to the Lakeside. Cross traffic will be open for Picnic Way and Inselruhe, Treadwell said.
The transition will occur in stages, and all work is weather-dependent:
- Week of May 18: Two-way cycle track markings are scheduled for Casino Way and The Strand in areas previously unmarked.
- May 26-29: Central Avenue will temporarily close for new traffic pattern work.
- May 29 (tentative): Central Avenue will reopen with a new traffic pattern.
- June 1-5: If needed, intermittent lane closures will take place along Central Avenue to complete parking space striping.
Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to find anticipated closure dates and additional information on this enhancement project. Any revised construction timelines will be announced on the closures page.
Later this summer, visitors can expect additional wayfinding improvements, including new directional and facility signage.
The cycle-track and larger Belle Isle Commons planning are focused on improving the visitor experience and enhancing multimodal connectivity. The projects will support complimentary programming by inviting folks to explore the park in an increasing variety of modes, Treadwell said in an email to BridgeDetroit.
