Please note the crosswalk for pedestrian east/west travel at the Old Woodward/Maple intersection will be relocated 50 feet to the south by noon on Thursday, May 24. Please see the Q&A below for information about this and other crosswalk changes near the intersection.
Q. Why are they being moved?
A. The Old Woodward Reconstruction Project is on the brink of entering a new phase-above ground improvements that includes the pouring of concrete for the new roadway, which will start north of Maple. Contractors are in the process of hauling away dirt, to make room for the laying of the stone base, the precursor to the pouring of concrete. Multitudes of large trucks will be hauling in the stones and dropping them in the northern section of the job, north of Maple. These trucks will need to exit via Eastbound Maple, making it too dangerous for pedestrians to cross the intersection.
Q. Where will the new pedestrian crosswalks be?
A. The east/west crosswalk at Old Woodward and Maple will be moved roughly 50 feet south of its current location. By doing this, pedestrians will be able to safely cross Old Woodward while not being as close to the Maple intersection, so the unloading of the stone base can go as efficiently as possible. If pedestrians want to cross E. Maple while being on the north or south side of Old Woodward, they simply need to walk about 100 feet to the east, and use the new crosswalk which is in front of the Jos. Bank store. If pedestrians want to cross W. Maple while being on the north or south side of Old Woodward, they simply need to walk about 200 feet to the west where the new crosswalk will be, in front of Dick O' Dow's.
Q. Will there be signs to direct pedestrians on the changes to the crosswalks?
A. Yes. The City will have signage to help pedestrians safely navigate the perimeter of the work zone and still be able to reach their favorite merchant or destination downtown.
Q. Should I be mindful of orange safety barriers and caution tape when walking in the
construction zone?
A. Yes. The public is reminded that the Old Woodward corridor is a construction zone, featuring moving equipment, workers, added noise and so on. Pedestrians are urged to be aware of where they are walking and to use caution when moving about project area, particularly as the above ground phase of the project gets underway.
Q. When will there be new concrete on Maple and on north Old Woodward?
A. While subject to unforeseen circumstances and weather delays, it is anticipated that concrete pouring could start in early June. It also anticipated that eastbound traffic on Maple could resume by mid-June.
The City appreciates your patience and understanding.
