November 2023 Shoreline Drive Pilot Project Update

Next Steps

Phase Two of the Pilot Study, which occurred earlier this year, has concluded. The city’s traffic consultant, Progressive AE, is currently compiling data from traffic activity during this period. Similar to Phase One, the consultant will prepare a report for review and public deliberation by the city commission. The purpose of the study was to collect data on the potential of slowing traffic, reducing the occurrence and severity of vehicular crashes, and improving pedestrian safety to cross from the downtown to the Muskegon Lake waterfront. When complete, the report will be shared publicly via Connect Muskegon.

Oct 17, 2023 Open House Summary from Traffic Consultant

Similar to the Phase One open house in Fall 2022, Progressive AE and the city hosted a second community open house on October 17th at the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center. This event featured various stations for the public to share its feedback and engage with city officials.

Information regarding the public’s typical utilization of Shoreline Drive was collected to better inform how this roadway is used. Attendees of the event primarily resided in Nelson, Nims, and west side neighborhoods. Residents of neighboring communities, primarily North Muskegon, Norton Shores, and Roosevelt Park, were also represented at the event.

Residents and neighbors were asked to share their primary mode of transportation used on Shoreline Drive as well as their typical reason for using Shoreline Drive. The majority of those in attendance shared that they generally utilize a personal vehicle to travel along Shoreline Drive, although several indicated they also cycle or walk along the corridor. Furthermore, most of the public responded that they travel along Shoreline Drive to access leisure and service opportunities, either in downtown Muskegon or the surrounding areas, while several also indicated they travel for work purposes. These results generally align with feedback from the online survey: Shoreline Drive is utilized as a means both for residents from Muskegon and surrounding communities to access leisure and employment opportunities in the downtown areas, and as a bypass route for motorists accessing communities to the north and south. The Lakeshore Trail is also utilized by non-motorized users as both a connector route through Muskegon and an access route to the downtown and lakefront areas.

The public was also able to provide feedback regarding traffic operations and pedestrian accessibility during this year’s pilot project. Although several respondents indicated support for potential future modifications to Shoreline Drive that reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian and cyclist connectivity between downtown and the lakefront, most of the public indicated their dissatisfaction with the pilot project. Several concerns, including increased traffic congestion, limited emergency vehicle access, increases in cut-through traffic volume and speeds on neighborhood streets, and decreases in gaps available for vehicles turning onto Shoreline Drive were raised. Information regarding potential remediating measures for traffic operations or pedestrian safety, such as signal retiming or pedestrian bridges, was also presented and discussed. The public was also asked to share creative ideas that could make the configuration of Shoreline Drive, including improved pedestrian crossings, safer for motorists and pedestrians. While attendees conveyed their support for reducing traffic speeds and improving pedestrian connectivity, many remained concerned about the potential for increased traffic congestion. In addition, it appears that since there are few ways to access Muskegon Lake, specifically along Shoreline Drive, this is preventing the public from seeing the benefits of a more connected downtown and lakefront area. Shoreline Drive is still primarily viewed as either a commuter bypass route or a quicker access route to leisure and employment opportunities in the downtown area.