Plymouth Road / Middle Belt Road Intersection

Overview

The proposed design concept uses the Plymouth Road/Middlebelt Road intersection as a focal point within the corridor. Expanded right-of ways on the south side of Plymouth Road allow for the inclusion of landscaped plazas at the corners. This concept was carried to the north quadrants to develop the symmetrical design. Each of the corners would include raised planters, brick paving, landscaping, and pedestrian scale corridor lighting.

The Woodland Mall Sign would be replaced with an externally, upright, ground sign embodied into the overall plaza design. Although the graphic denotes the retention of the dedicated right hand turn lane, the final design would show its removal. This portion of the project would involve the close coordination of the Wayne County Road Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Traffic

The Plymouth Road/Middlebelt Road intersection is the highest volume intersection along the corridor and is the intersection identified by the Plymouth Road Development Authority as its highest priority for improvement. Middlebelt Road, like Plymouth Road is a regional arterial. It connects Flat Rock in Wayne County at its south terminus to Keego harbor in Oakland County.

Intersection Structure

The terrace along Plymouth Road and extending down Middlebelt Road would be improved with landscaping, street trees and corridor lighting. Traffic signal mast arms would be installed at the intersection containing traffic signals, directional signs, pedestrian crosswalk signals and street names. A design option also reviewed involved the construction of an intersection structure which would span the entire intersection. This structure, if installed, would accommodate traffic signals, directional signs, pedestrian crosswalk signals and street names.

Parking

Several of the private parking lots would be connected internally to reduce duplicative curb cuts and in several locations increase the availability of off-street parking. In addition, several of the parking lots abutting the front property line would be screened with a low level brick screen wall. This is show, for example, on the office building property east of the Livonia Tire and Service Center.

Easements

To complete improvements on private property it is recommended that the Plymouth Road Development Authority obtain easements from participating property owners.