The Grand Traverse County Road Commission moved forward this week with a set of targeted transportation measures aimed at improving safety and capacity at several problem intersections across the county. The decisions respond to crash concerns and longstanding plans to modernize key corridors serving residents, schools and local traffic.

One of the near-term actions is to repurpose leftover signal equipment from work at Traverse City West Senior High for use at the Cedar Run and Gray intersection. The commission identified the equipment as an opportunity to install a vehicle-detecting signal coupled with added turn lanes, a project estimated at roughly $200,000. Reusing existing equipment is intended to reduce costs while addressing congestion and turning conflicts at that location.

At a larger, more complex crossroads—North Long Lake Road at Strait and East Long Lake Road—the board discussed whether to advance a long-planned “peanut” or “dog-bone” roundabout design or to install an interim signal. Commissioners were warned that choosing interim signalization could negatively affect the intersection’s competitiveness for future grant funding, an important consideration for larger reconstruction work. The peanut/dog-bone alternative remains on the table as the long-term solution many engineers favor for capacity and safety at multi-leg intersections.

Following reports of recent crashes, road commission staff will also budget intersection studies for the Long Lake/Strait area and the Three Mile/Potter intersection. Those studies are intended to provide the technical analysis needed to prioritize safety investments and to build stronger cases for state or federal grants.

Separately, commissioners approved an $84,500 design contract for next year’s full-corridor rehabilitation of Franke Road. The design phase will develop plans that incorporate traffic calming elements, stormwater management measures, and accommodations for sidewalks. The road commission plans to coordinate closely with Garfield Township and Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) to ensure the corridor supports pedestrian safety and drainage improvements that reflect local needs.

For Grand Traverse County residents, the set of moves signals a focused effort to address both immediate safety concerns and longer-term capacity needs. Students, parents and school bus operators may see benefits from signal improvements and the Franke Road corridor work, while motorists who use Long Lake and other stressed intersections can expect studies to guide future fixes. Funding considerations, particularly the potential effect of interim measures on grant scores, will continue to shape project sequencing and timelines.

The commission’s actions represent a mix of pragmatic reuse of existing materials, strategic planning for grant-funded projects, and the start of design work for a corridor that affects multiple jurisdictions and daily travel patterns. Further public updates and project-specific timelines are expected as studies and design work progress.