Port Huron City Council has taken up a recommendation from a task force of downtown stakeholders regarding the future configuration of Huron Avenue. At Monday night’s meeting, council unanimously approved the recommendation that would result in a reduction of lanes not only on Huron but also along portions of Military Street and Pine Grove Avenue. Huron Avenue work group member Jim Soto presented the “road diet” option to city council members, saying it’s been a long time coming.
“This is probably the biggest decision since about 1965 when it comes to the design of our streets,” said Soto. “It’s quite incredible, it doesn’t guarantee that we will grow population or our businesses, but it gives us a fighting chance.”
The Huron Avenue work group is made up of downtown residents, business owners, and other stakeholders. Their recommendation – which also incudes separated bike lanes and on street parallel parking – will now be sent to the Michigan Department of Transportation. A pilot period may begin as soon as next year, in which the roadway will be striped for the new configuration. It is then expected to be permanently reconfigured when MDOT reconstructions Huron Avenue in 2026.
