Madison Heights wins SEMCOG TAP 'Safe Streets' grant for pedestrian crossings and traffic calming
January 27, 2026 | Madison Heights, Oakland County, Michigan
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Madison Heights officials on Jan. 26 announced the city has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) "Safe Streets" grant administered by SEMCOG to install pedestrian safety improvements and neighborhood traffic-calming measures.
City Planner Matthew Launerstatter (presented in the meeting as Matt Lonerstatter) told the council the application, submitted in November 2025, targets locations on Concord Drive, East Whitcomb Avenue and 11 Mile Road for rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and two mini traffic-calming islands on Wolverine Street. "These funds would provide funding for projects that are shovel-ready projects, which are aimed at improving the safety for pedestrians, walkers, bikers, and non motorized transportation," Lonerstatter said.
Lonerstatter described the sites as part of a regional high-injury network and said the measures were chosen because they serve high concentrations of pedestrians, transit stops and multifamily housing. He said RRFB systems boost driver-yielding rates and can reduce pedestrian crashes, and that the Wolverine islands are intended to slow vehicle speeds and provide pedestrian refuge. Anticipated construction start is spring 2027 with hoped-for completion by late summer 2027; Lonerstatter said maintenance costs would likely be handled by the Department of Public Services and through Act 51 major roads funding.
A SEMCOG planning director, speaking for the agency, praised the city's application and presented a ceremonial check, noting TAP is federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and that SEMCOG invests region-wide in similar projects.
The grant amounts quoted in the presentation included figures given verbally during the meeting; the transcript contains inconsistent dollar figures (see clarification below). Council members thanked staff and volunteers for the application and noted the long-term goal of safer, more walkable neighborhoods.
Clarifying details: the presenter stated a "grant of, dollars $180,000 and $606,102 dollars" and referenced a 20% local match of $45,000 and an estimated total project cost of about $225,000. These numbers in the record are internally inconsistent; staff should be asked to confirm the final award amount, local-match requirement and total project budget before public release of financing details.
Next steps: staff expects to proceed with design and construction scheduling for spring 2027; council discussion emphasized resident communication and outreach in areas where physical work on Wolverine Street will affect travel.
City Planner Matthew Launerstatter (presented in the meeting as Matt Lonerstatter) told the council the application, submitted in November 2025, targets locations on Concord Drive, East Whitcomb Avenue and 11 Mile Road for rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and two mini traffic-calming islands on Wolverine Street. "These funds would provide funding for projects that are shovel-ready projects, which are aimed at improving the safety for pedestrians, walkers, bikers, and non motorized transportation," Lonerstatter said.
Lonerstatter described the sites as part of a regional high-injury network and said the measures were chosen because they serve high concentrations of pedestrians, transit stops and multifamily housing. He said RRFB systems boost driver-yielding rates and can reduce pedestrian crashes, and that the Wolverine islands are intended to slow vehicle speeds and provide pedestrian refuge. Anticipated construction start is spring 2027 with hoped-for completion by late summer 2027; Lonerstatter said maintenance costs would likely be handled by the Department of Public Services and through Act 51 major roads funding.
A SEMCOG planning director, speaking for the agency, praised the city's application and presented a ceremonial check, noting TAP is federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and that SEMCOG invests region-wide in similar projects.
The grant amounts quoted in the presentation included figures given verbally during the meeting; the transcript contains inconsistent dollar figures (see clarification below). Council members thanked staff and volunteers for the application and noted the long-term goal of safer, more walkable neighborhoods.
Clarifying details: the presenter stated a "grant of, dollars $180,000 and $606,102 dollars" and referenced a 20% local match of $45,000 and an estimated total project cost of about $225,000. These numbers in the record are internally inconsistent; staff should be asked to confirm the final award amount, local-match requirement and total project budget before public release of financing details.
Next steps: staff expects to proceed with design and construction scheduling for spring 2027; council discussion emphasized resident communication and outreach in areas where physical work on Wolverine Street will affect travel.
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