A Roundabout In Houghton?

Could a roundabout be in the future for Houghton?

At the regular meeting of the Houghton City Council, Police Chief John Donnelly said he has had a recent conversation with the Michigan Department of Transportation about the need for roundabouts in the area.

Donnelly said he pointed out that Marquette County will have several roundabouts before Houghton gets their first one.

One possible location for a roundabout would be the intersection of M-26 and Sharon Avenue, which Donnelly said was probably in the top three intersections in the Upper Peninsula for the number of accidents.

MDOT would have to conduct a study before any decision could be made.

In addition to roundabouts, MDOT is looking at the feasibility of adding a left turn signal to the traffic light at M-26 and WalMart.

The concern is that left turn signals can further congest the intersection and reduce the flow of traffic.
Dee Stadium could see some renovation work if a grant application from the city of Houghton is approved.

The plan is to renovate the locker rooms, showers and restrooms.

The city council gave the go ahead to City Manager Eric Waara to apply for a passport grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $75,000.

The total project would be about $125,000 and require a minimum local match of $50,000.

If approved, work would take place next summer.
In other business, the city of Houghton’s application to become a Redevelopment Ready Community has been approved.

The program by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation lays out six best practices for local communities to follow.

Being part of the program will improve Houghton’s chances of being awarded grant money.