The I-196 Business Loop in South Haven, also known as Broadway and LaGrange avenues, has been the topic of a proposed road diet by city officials for about two years. The road is owned and maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation, which means the city can’t do anything with it until getting the state’s approval. South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette says they’re about to get the green light.
“The road diet is proceeding,” Dissette tells our newsroom. “Over the past several months, staff had to express concerns to counsel that we weren’t sure that a permit would be issued.
“We’re pleased to announce the permit will be issued by MDOT. We’ll be taking the project out to bid in the coming weeks, and our intent is to have it out to bid sometime in October.”
A road diet is where the traffic lanes are reduced, and instead of the current five lanes, the city will reduce that to three. While doing so, bicycle lanes will be added along with markings to make it safer for pedestrians. Dissette says those are important for the safety of South Haven High School students.
