Yes. The 2015-17 Corridor Study commissioned by MDOT included modeling and forecasts for increased vehicle and pedestrian volumes that could result from increased development not only in downtown Midland but also throughout the community and the surrounding area.
Midland has experienced a negligible level of population growth over the past 2 decades. Midland’s population in 2000 was 41,869; in 2018, it was estimated at only 41,800. While new development has taken place and the city has spread outward, the number of people living here has not increased. Nevertheless, to account for commercial/industrial growth and residential development beyond the City limits, the traffic studies all included an assumed 0.5% growth in traffic each year moving forward.
The number of vehicles commuting into the downtown area has dramatically decreased over the years as manufacturing activities have moved to other areas of the community. Today, commuting traffic makes up most of the motoring population on Buttles and Indian streets. While getting the motoring public from point A to point B safely is important, it is also important to provide an enjoyable experience that slows traffic for those working and living along the corridor and encourages those driving through our community to perhaps stop in for shopping, dining and entertainment.