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In support of the East Front Street Streetscaping Design Plan, the DDA will conduct a traffic study to determine the potential conversion of Front Street and State Street in Downtown from one-way operation to two-way operation.

News & Updates

  • DDA SEEKS PUBLIC FEEDBACK REGARDING DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION AND PRELIMINARY DESIGN FOR EAST FRONT STREET
    The Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in cooperation with the City of Traverse City, will host its third series of Community Workshops for the Reimagine East Front Street Initiative on Thursday, November 18, and Friday, November 19. We will review, discuss and deliberate on the findings and recommendations for downtown circulation as well as a preliminary design
  • View the East Front Street Redesign Concepts
    Review concepts A-C and submit your feedback via the survey. Concept A – East Front Street is vibrant and pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks, multiple pedestrian crossings, and inviting public amenities. Concept B – East Front Street serves all modes (bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and transit riders). Concept C – East Front Street is a flexible public
  • Want the word on the street?
    Hear it first during the second series of meetings. The Downtown Development Authority and the City of Traverse City will be facilitating its second series of public meetings on September 27th and 29th for the Reimagine East Front Street Initiative and Downtown Traffic Flow. Meetings will be held in person and online. The meetings will
  • You’re Invited to Participate!
    Help Us Reimagine East Front Street The Downtown Development Authority recently kicked off a planning process to develop a new design for East Front Street. In support of this effort, the DDA will also conduct a traffic study to determine the possible conversion of one-way streets throughout downtown. We want to hear from you! The
  • Stakeholder Walk #1 – Disability and Transportation Advocates
    The consultant team facilitated a walk with disability and transportation advocates to observe the corridor and identify likes and dislikes, opportunities and challenges, and establish priorities in defining space.

Give Us Your Feedback

A number of brief surveys will be released throughout the planning process to gain stakeholder and community insight and feedback.

Thursday
07.20.21

Survey #1 – Traverse City East Front Street & Traffic Flow Kickoff Survey

Take Survey

Project Timeline (subject to change)

FAQs

What Is This Project?

In support of the East Front Street Streetscaping Design Plan, the project team will conduct a traffic study to determine the potential conversion of Front Street and State Street in Downtown Traverse City from one-way operation to two-way operation.

Why Are We Considering Converting Front and State Streets from One-Way to Two Way Operation?

Currently, portions of East Front Street have both one-way and two-way operations. In order to determine the best way to safely move people and vehicles along this corridor, we need to determine if converting these two streets to two-way operations is feasible.

In addition, study’s have shown that converting streets from one-way to two-way operation is considered “best-practice” – helping to reduce pedestrian and vehicle accidents, vehicle speed, and vehicle miles traveled while increasing property value and retail visibility.

Hasn’t the Idea of Converting Front and State Streets to Two-Way Operation Been Settled?

Front Street and State Street were converted to one-way operations in 1967 following several years of vigorous debate and a voter referendum. Prior to that, Front Street and State Street supported two-way operations. Efforts to reconsider the conversion and shift back to a two-way operation have been discussed numerous times by citizens and city leaders over the last 50 years. Last year, portions of State Street were temporarily converted to two-way operation while Front Street was closed to vehicles in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who Is Leading This Study?

The DDA is leading the effort to conduct the traffic study to determine the potential conversion of Front Street and State Street in Downtown Traverse City from one-way operation to two-way operation.

The DDA is working with Progressive AE (planning and engineering consultant) to help facilitate public engagement around the potential conversion and conduct the study.

Does The City Have To Convert Front And State Streets To Two-Way Operation If The Study Determines Its Feasible?

No. The study is being conducted to determine if the conversion of Front Street and State Street to a two-way operation is feasible. The City Commission would ultimately need to take up the issue and take action. Any such action would likely influence the streetscaping design of East Front Street.

What If City Leaders Determine That Converting Front and State Streets to Two-Way Operation Is Feasible, But Not Warranted – Does That Mean The New Streetscape Design Plan For East Front Street Must Remain One-Way?

No. The Project Team will consider ways to develop a “flexible” streetscape for East Front Street that could one day be converted to a two-way operation.