“Limiting access reduces the number of conflict points, the locations where vehicle paths merge or cross, thereby reducing the crash potential.” “We regularly incorporate access management principles into the designs of our urban and suburban projects,” said Justin Junttila, region traffic and safety engineer with MDOT. It cuts the number of conflict points (spots where vehicles are entering and exiting the flow of traffic), which reduces the potential for crashes. Reducing the number of access points along a highway has many safety benefits. helped improve safety.”Īs part of projects in Manistique, Wakefield and Munising, access management efforts closed or consolidated dozens of driveways and created intersection improvements. “This year, access management efforts on road projects around the U.P. “Safety is the top priority at MDOT and we continue to integrate safety features into the design and planning of upcoming projects,” said Jason DeGrand, region operations engineer. MDOT’s Superior Region, which encompasses the entire U.P., has addressed safety concerns with specific road projects and system-wide improvements. It’s an effort that extends well beyond education. These efforts are raising awareness of traffic safety challenges in Michigan. Since 2010, MDOT has collaborated statewide with law enforcement officials and first responders to promote this important national highway safety strategy, including posting year-to-date fatality totals on roadside dynamic message signs. MDOT safety projects are part of a larger Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) effort.

Mdot traffic and safety standard plans