Ironwood US-2 Biz Rte signals Ironwood change Thursday

Traffic signals at three US-2 Business Route intersections in Ironwood will be in flash mode for 90 days. The Michigan Department of Transportation says traffic volumes and other criteria will be reviewed to determine if the signals are needed.

To determine whether three traffic signals on the US-2 Business Route (BR) in Ironwood are needed, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will place them in flashing mode for 90 days, beginning Thursday, March 8. The Ironwood City Commission voted unanimously to proceed with the signal study.

Motorists are urged to use extra caution at the following intersections being reviewed:

– US-2 BR at Ayer Street . Will operate as a four-way stop with a flashing red light for all directions.

– US-2 BR at Aurora Street/Suffolk Street . Will operate as a four-way stop with a flashing red light for all directions.

– US-2 BR at Lowell Street . Will have a flashing yellow light for US-2 BR traffic and a flashing red light for Lowell Street traffic.

MDOT will begin reviewing traffic volumes, delays, back-ups and crash data at the three intersections to determine if the signals are warranted. Preliminary review of the signals suggests the signals do not meet criteria for signals based on traffic volumes, pedestrian volumes, school crossings, crashes, and the overall roadway network. Unwarranted signals have been shown to cause unnecessary delay and increase crash rates.

At the end of the signal study, if the signals are found to be warranted, MDOT will continue to operate and maintain them. However, if the signals are deemed unwarranted, they will be removed. The signals could be reinstalled in the future if traffic patterns were to change and justify their addition.

“We’re pleased to partner with MDOT on this issue,” said Ironwood City Manager Scott Erickson. “The city is looking forward to a streetscape improvement project on the business route later this year, and we’re confident that the decisions made following this signal study will dovetail with that work.”