Neighbor Gavin shared a few tidbits from DDOT’s recent FY2026 budget oversight hearing.

LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Safety

Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George asked about LaSalle-Backus Elementary School, where parents have been advocating for traffic safety improvements. DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum said she thinks that LaSalle will be on the list of schools to get a Safe Routes plan in FY26: https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=bazkR_-2piRmHtVG&t=2723.

South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Study

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker asked about the South Dakota Avenue corridor safety study. Director Kershbaum said that with the current budget of $1 million, DDOT only has enough money to complete the study and with the remaining balance of funds, install intersection improvements at the most problematic intersections. The agency does not have enough funding to make corridor wide improvements: https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=OTpmAIRhqWJiCyi1&t=3365.

[Ed. Note: This tracks what Director Kershbaum said at the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting on May 7, 2025. There she announced that DDOT will not be installing bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue and instead will only be making spot improvements at key problematic intersections because the agency does not have the money for a road diet. I have long suspected this was always going to be the result, and that is why I encouraged people to give feedback on problematic intersections during the public comment period. I suppose the South Dakota Avenue safety study website will be updated at some point.]

Met Branch Trail Fort Totten to Avondale Segment

Councilmember Parker asked about planning for the MBT Fort Totten to Avondale segment. Director Kershbaum said the agency already has its hands full with currently funded MBT projects and they want to get those segments done first. https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=MOMxorN8pInJ61Ap&t=3666.