The Independence Township Safety Path Committee, of which three IVSA residents are members, has been working to create a safe pedestrian crossing near the intersection of Sashabaw and Pine Knob. As we know, driving in and out of our community from Ridge Trail N onto Pine Knob and then to Sashabaw can be a challenge.
Several different solutions were offered to the Road Commission of Oakland County. The concern of the Road Commission related to the curve of Sashabaw (aka The Nascar Curve) and sight distance. Adequate sight distance is needed in both directions to provide drivers enough time to react to a pedestrian crossing or signal light warning of a pedestrian crossing. The Road Commission did provide tentative approval for a signalized crosswalk further south on Sashabaw near the historic “Bailey house”. This would involve creating a safety path along Sashabaw from the intersection of Pine Knob, running south to the crossing. With the estimated cost coming in at over $1M the project was rejected.
Even if constructed, some residents of our community felt they would be more apt to take their chances crossing at Pine Knob rather than going several hundred feet south to the designated crosswalk. In addition, the crosswalk only solves one problem but does not address the issues relating to the vehicles traversing along Sashabaw, Pine Knob and Ridge Trail. Speeds at the curve on Sashabaw, especially during periods of inclement weather, have resulted in vehicle collisions. The speed and occasional high volumes of traffic create problems for those trying to turn into or out of the community. The awkward right turn from Sashabaw onto Pine Knob/Ridge Trail creates a hazard due to the short deceleration lane and foliage blocking the view of traffic approaching on Pine Knob. Pine Knob traffic does not have to stop which creates an additional hazard for vehicles wanting to turn onto Ridge Trail. Southbound Sashabaw vehicles, turning left onto Pine Knob/Ridge Trail, often cut the awkward corner which has resulted in collisions. There is no way to safely add a crosswalk, slow traffic or create a more efficient way to enter/exit our community with the current design!
The Road Commission wants to maintain the flow of traffic whenever possible so pushing for a traffic signal at Pine Knob and Sashabaw will most likely never be approved. Although out of the purview of the Safety Path Committee, members agreed that a traffic circle at the intersection would be the best solution to address many of the issues relating to the safety and design of the current intersection. A circle would facilitate the flow of vehicle traffic and cause them to slow at the curve. The circle would incorporate turns to include Pine Knob and Ridge Trail making it safer for those entering/leaving our community. Lastly, a crosswalk could be included in this design to facilitate the safe crossing of pedestrians. This design is not new as the next controlled intersection north on Sashabaw has a traffic circle.
The Safety Path Committee will not approve the location of the proposed crosswalk but have discussed another option and needs residents to get involved. Other than an increase in serious accidents, the best way for the Road Commission to review the issue, and possibly act, is in response to citizen complaints. If you feel that the intersection is unsafe and should be reviewed by the Road Commission, a link to their contact form is shown below. You can write out your concerns, add photos/drawings and make your concerns heard. With enough input, we can work to improve a dangerous situation that will not get better on its own.
https://www.rcocweb.org/FormCenter/Contact-Us-4/Contact-Us-Form-43
