Neighbors along Knapp Street in Grand Rapids Township are urging the Kent County Road Commission to reduce the road’s speed limit and add traffic‑control measures. About 11,000 vehicles travel the stretch at 55 mph daily, according to the commission’s data.

Petition calls for slower speeds and a signal

Smitha Varkey and roughly 250 of her neighbors have signed a petition requesting the speed limit be cut to 35 mph and that a traffic signal or roundabout be installed at the Knapp and MaGuire Avenue intersection. Varkey said she has witnessed at least one accident at that corner in the past week and has reached out to officials without receiving a response.

Commission explains why the limit stays

Road Commission managing director Jerry Byrne told reporters that the speed limit is set by Michigan State Police under state law and has been studied extensively. “We concur with their data, and it says the speed limit is where it’s supposed to be at 55,” Byrne said.

Byrne also said a roundabout is not feasible at this time and that adding a new traffic signal could actually increase accidents. “Decades of research and data say this is the best situation we can have because we’d introduce left‑turn accidents when we introduce that traffic signal,” he explained.

Commission says studies are ongoing

Byrne noted that crews have been out recently conducting additional studies, but he maintains the road’s current speed and design are as safe as possible. “We are working to improve the situation. Probably not giving the people exactly what they want. And right now, that answer is no,” he said.

The commission’s stance reflects a balance between state‑mandated speed limits and local safety concerns. Residents will need to continue dialogue with the commission and state police if they hope to see changes to Knapp Street’s traffic configuration.

Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.