There are several items that the University would like to see come to fruition as part of a longer term plan. The following bulleted list are the needs identified by the University of Michigan.

• Harrison Street Realignment

• First and Mill Street Connection

• Third Avenue Vehicular Entry

• River Crossings

 It is critical for the campus traffic to be able to access the campus along both sides of the Flint River. Therefore, it is proposed that non-University traffic traveling one-way north on Harrison Street be diverted onto Saginaw Street at Kearsley Street. This would allow the University to use Harrison Street north of Kearsley Street as a campus road connecting both sides of the river. Kearsley Street, North of Harrison Street would be narrowed from its current five lanes to three lanes to reduce pavement, make crossing safer and reduce speeds. The closed traffic lanes would be converted to green space.

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First and Mill Street Connection

It is currently impossible to travel counterclockwise around the campus perimeter by car. In order to facilitate movement in both directions, a new road should be created connecting the east end of First Street with Mill Street. This two-way road will make it easier for visitors to access to Recreation Building, University Entry Plaza and other public destinations from downtown and complete the loop around the entire campus.

Approximately 100 parking spaces will be lost when the new road goes in. These spaces will be replaced elsewhere on campus.

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Third Avenue Vehicular Entry

The proposed development north of the river requires a main entry which signals the arrival on campus and projects an appropriate image for the University. A grand open, grassy boulevard approach is proposed from Saginaw Street to the realigned Harrison Street. Beyond is a circular drop-off culminating in a plaza with special paving surrounded by ornamental trees. Sidewalks from the drop-off into the central open space allow for easy orientation and way finding.

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River Crossings

One of the most important needs for the University is a pedestrian-oriented campus environment. With development extending on the north side of the river, the pedestrian linkages across the river become critically important. There are presently three crossings that must be maintained:

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Harrison Street

Harrison Street functioning as both vehicular and pedestrian access will serve as the main vehicular link across the river.

Stevens Street Bridge

Stevens Street Bridge is an abandoned former vehicular/pedestrian bridge which can serve as both service and pedestrian access.

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Hamilton Dam

Hamilton Dam accommodates pedestrians only. It is not handicap accessible and steps should be taken to make it so. It is anticipated this will become the most direct and heavily-used pedestrian route.

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Safety and accessibility are the major concerns with the crossings. Structural studies should be done to assure they comply to all safety standards.

Placing plazas at each end of the Hamilton Dam will integrate the bridge into the campus fabric and attract people to the river-front crossing, focusing attention on this main pedestrian crossing point.

Stevens Street Bridge should be enhanced to accommodate pedestrian traffic and to allow University service vehicles access to the property north of the river.

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