A proposed reconstruction of West Front Street this spring will include a new traffic signal at the intersection of Front, Hall and Wadsworth streets next to North Peak. City Engineer Tim Lodge gave an overview of the project design and budget Monday night to city commissioners and described the new signal as a "diagonal mast arm" facilitating a traditional four-way signal stop.

Lodge said the primary function of the new signal is "to allow pedestrians to cross the street," but also said warrant analysis for automobile traffic backs the need for a signal. Lodge said the city is hoping to coordinate with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) - which is providing a $1 million grant for the reconstruction project - to try and align the light timing of signals where Front intersects with Union, Hall and Division streets.

"The hope is we won't have the long queues at Division Street because there will be other places for them to store along the way...allowing traffic to move more consistently" through the corridor, Lodge said.