7th and Union is currently in poor condition and does not feature bump outs as seen on many other intersections around Traverse City.
This means parked cars can block sightlines for both drivers and pedestrians trying to cross the street. Union St does not stop here either, so visibility is crucial to ensure safe pedestrian crossings.
The proposed concept to improve this intersection is to reconstruct the intersection and extend the curb to create bump outs, helping to ensure drivers and pedestrians can see each other when trying to cross. This concept is called “daylighting”.
You can visualize a before and after by dragging the slider below:
Interim Quick Build
Although the intersection is due for full reconstruction, a temporary quick-build project could be implemented in the meantime using paint and flexible posts. This approach would allow for a cost-effective and rapid transformation, enabling the intersection to function with curb extensions before permanent construction takes place. By testing the concept in advance, the community can evaluate its effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and demonstrate the benefits of a safer design.