Blue Star Highway Corridor Safety Plan
Blue Star Highway
Corridor Safety Plan
The Blue Star Highway Corridor Safety Plan was the first focus of the Safe Street Planning Committee, reimagining Blue Star Highway to better support traffic flow, pedestrian activity, and future community needs. The plan included three key components:
- Traffic Study: Analyzed vehicle volume, speed, destinations, and turn counts using StreetLight data.
- Conceptual Design Development: Transitioned Blue Star Highway from a through road to a pedestrian-friendly street, guided by traffic data and public input.
- Zoning Audit: Reviewed zoning regulations to ensure they align with desired development patterns, incorporating community feedback.
Saugatuck Township faces a unique challenge in balancing traffic efficiency, pedestrian safety, and sustainable development along Blue Star Highway. Originally built nearly a century ago as a bypass for Saugatuck, the highway no longer serves its original purpose, as US-31/I-196 now carries most through-traffic. Instead, Blue Star Highway is evolving into a main street that supports residents, visitors, and local businesses while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
In January 2024, the Township partnered with Progressive Companies to assess safety concerns and reimagine Blue Star Highway’s northern intersections. Residents and visitors have expressed concerns about fast-moving traffic, difficult crossings, and limited accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists. A comprehensive analysis—including traffic and crash data, community surveys, and a walking audit—revealed key issues:
- Many do not feel safe traveling along or across the highway.
- Crashes frequently occur at intersections.
- The current design encourages vehicle speeds above posted limits.
- Green space along the corridor is highly valued.
Plan Goals:
- Reduce vehicle speeds with self-enforcing design strategies.
- Improve intersections for safer crossings and better accessibility.
- Preserve green space while fostering compact, mixed-use development.
The final plan outlines existing conditions, conceptual redesigns, and implementation strategies, including funding sources and prioritization steps. With increasing development and a growing demand for walkable, bikeable spaces, this plan serves as a roadmap for transforming Blue Star Highway into a safe, vibrant corridor for all users.
To read the full final study report, click here.
Public Engagement
Click here to view the Community Open House Report.
Click here to view the Blue Star Highway Survey Summary.
Safe Street Planning Committee
Brenda Marcy, Board Trustee
Denise Webster, Planning Commissioner
Lynee Wells, Township Planner
Tyler DeNooyer, Township Engineer
Daniel DeFranco, Township Manager
Craig Atwood, Director of Allegan County Road Commission
Chris Mantels, Deputy Chief of Saugatuck Township Fire District