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Council asks MDOT to move on Fort Street ‘road diet’

June 10, 2026

Detroit City Council has approved a resolution urging the Michigan Department of Transportation to conduct a "road diet" on Fort Street in Southwest Detroit, a project championed by District 6 Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero. The proposed transformation would reduce Fort Street from six lanes to fewer lanes between Schaefer Highway and Outer Drive, reallocating space for pedestrian and bicycle access. The push for redesign follows longstanding community concerns about speeding, red-light violations, and accidents, including a child's death in August 2025.

Who is affected

  • Residents of the 48217 ZIP code in Southwest Detroit
  • The Boynton community, including seniors and families with children
  • Students and staff at Mark Twain School for Scholars
  • Users of Kemeny Recreation Center
  • Local businesses along Fort Street
  • Pedestrians and cyclists who use or would use Fort Street
  • Drivers who currently travel on Fort Street

What action is being taken

  • MDOT is conducting a feasibility study of Fort Street north of Outer Drive
  • Council Member Santiago-Romero has been pushing for the road diet project

Why it matters

  • This project matters because Fort Street currently poses significant safety risks to the community, with frequent speeding, red-light running, and accidents, including the tragic death of a child in August 2025. The six-lane roadway forces pedestrians to cross dangerous distances of traffic in a neighborhood with schools, recreation centers, seniors, and families. Road diets have proven effective nationwide in reducing collisions and improving safety and quality of life, making this transformation potentially life-saving for Southwest Detroit residents.

What's next

  • MDOT to complete the feasibility study of Fort Street
  • MDOT to work with the city to design a solution that meets community needs
  • Potential completion of the road diet on Fort Street from Schaefer Highway to Outer Drive (pending feasibility study results)

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com