Alpena council approves downtown curb-extension trial: What changes Oct. 2

Downtown Alpena will get a temporary street redesign this fall after the Alpena Municipal Council unanimously approved a safety demonstration at four city-controlled intersections. The project will use painted curb extensions, new crosswalk markings and flexible posts to shorten pedestrian crossing distances while keeping existing travel lanes open.

Volunteers are scheduled to paint the markings Oct. 2 during the One Water Gathering. Police will close the intersections while the work is underway. The Alpena Downtown Development Authority will then track how drivers and pedestrians use the sites through December, with the results intended to support possible long-term changes and a larger state grant application.

Where the temporary changes will be installed

The demonstration will cover First Avenue at Water Street, First Avenue at Park Place, Second Avenue at Water Street and the Center Alley crossing on Second Avenue. All four locations are on streets controlled by the city.

At each site, crews will paint curb extensions—also called bulb-outs or bump-outs—in leftover parking-lane pavement or extra-wide corners. The travel-lane width will not change. White “piano key” striping will mark the crosswalks, while approximately 20 flexible, 36-inch white posts will define the new edges at each intersection.

The temporary layout is designed to make crossings shorter and encourage drivers to slow as they approach intersections. The posts can also be moved for snowplowing, allowing the demonstration to remain adaptable during winter operations.

The estimated cost is about $8,000, including $3,000 for posts and pads and $5,000 for roughly 50 gallons of paint and other supplies. The DDA is also discussing a water-themed stencil with a local artist.

Data collection will guide future decisions

Following installation, the project team plans to measure vehicle speeds, observe where pedestrians cross, count how often drivers stop for people in crosswalks and gather comments from patrons at the library and Water Street Commons.

The request originated with Anne Gentry, executive director of the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, who outlined the proposal in an Aug. 19 memo to council. Gentry said the demonstration is intended to improve safety at busy downtown crossings, alert drivers that they are entering an area where people often walk and bike, and test ideas that could eventually be used elsewhere downtown.

Police Chief Eric Hamp, City Manager Rachel Smolinski, City Engineer Stephen Shultz and Planning Director Montiel Birmingham supported moving ahead with the trial, according to Gentry’s report. The council’s vote on Sept. 8 was 5-0.

Chisholm Street study continues separately

The curb-extension trial is part of a broader walkability effort that has been underway locally for about 18 months through the Walkability Action Institute, a program connected to the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alpena is one of seven Michigan communities participating.

Last summer, the local team conducted downtown walk audits with residents, business owners and an Alpena High School civics class. In July, Toole Design staff walked downtown and sketched early concepts for safer streets and intersections.

Program organizers have approved a six- to nine-month Toole Design feasibility study of Chisholm Street from the marina to the hospital. The study will include public engagement and assistance with a Safe Routes to School grant. It will examine options such as reducing lanes, widening sidewalks, changing parking and modifying signals or stop signs.

Gentry described Chisholm Street as the main connector within downtown and a high-volume route for cars, trucks, pedestrians and bicyclists. The corridor also has known safety gaps and upcoming utility work. The study is expected to consider how any design could meet MDOT standards while improving safety and connecting downtown destinations.

The longer-term objective is a Transportation Alternatives Program application. TAP funding can cover up to 80% of eligible work above the road—including sidewalks, curb and gutter, lighting, bike racks and trees—if the applicant supplies a 20% cash match. About $26 million is available statewide each year.

With the council’s approval, the walkability team can complete designs and order supplies this month, conduct a public information campaign, paint the temporary markings Oct. 2 and collect results through December.