BRONSON, Mich. (WLKI)- The Bronson City Council has rejected a Michigan Department of Transportation proposal that would have reduced part of U.S. 12 from four lanes to three.
The plan called for converting U.S. 12 between Albers Road and Main Street to one travel lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane. The project was presented as a way to improve safety while maintaining traffic flow through the city.
Bronson City Manager Brandon Mersman said MDOT brought the proposal to the city for consideration. Supporters said the redesign could reduce crashes, provide more room for drivers entering and exiting parked vehicles, and make the roadway safer for pedestrians by reducing the number of lanes they must cross.
The plan was also intended to address crashes along the corridor. Supporters pointed to 77 crashes reported on that stretch of U.S. 12 between 2021 and 2025, including 24 injuries and three serious injuries.
However, the proposal faced questions from council members and residents during a public hearing and discussion that lasted nearly an hour. Concerns included whether reducing the number of travel lanes could lead to backups, especially during busier times of the day.
Councilman Larry McConn said he was concerned the lane reduction could create long lines of traffic.
After the discussion, the council voted down the plan. The measure received no votes in favor, with two members voting against it and two members abstaining.
The vote means the proposed road diet will not move forward at this time.