GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich (WXYZ) — The drive along Lake Shore Road is known for the stunning view of Lake Saint Clair. But, a big change along the scenic route is getting on the nerves of drivers and Grosse Pointe Farms residents alike.
During the 2020 construction season, the Wayne County Department of Public Services repaved Lake Shore Road from Warner Road to Moross. Part of the repaving project included the installation of roadway signs.
“There are over 190, I think it is 195 signs that they put in a mile and a half stretch,” said Mayor of Grosse Pointe Farms Louis Theros.
The Mayor of Grosse Point Farms, Louis Theros, says it not only destroys the view but at times creates more confusion.
“When you go intersection after intersection and you see so many signs facing two different directions it is utterly confusing. It’s sign pollution, destroys the view, check the box all of the above,” said Theros.
7 Action News reached out to the Wayne County Department of Public Services to see if anything could be done to take down some of the signs. They explained the repaving project was paid in part by federal funds stating, “A part of Wayne County’s obligations to using federal aid is a commitment to using Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved design standards and specifications to design and construct the project.”
The department says they are following both Michigan and federal standards, and that any push for a change would have to be taken up with the Federal Highway Administration.
Theros says the city is trying to set up a meeting with the Michigan Department of Transportation, but a representative with MDOT tells reporter Ali Hoxie they only act as an auditor and have no control over the Wayne County project. At this point, both Theros and a representative from MDOT says there is no meeting planned in the near future.
7 Action News also reached out to the Federal Highway Administration, who pointed us back to MDOT and Wayne County.
Theros says he will continue to push to get the signs taken down, no matter what entity he has to go to.
“You know what the next step is frankly, I might lobby MDOT to change the regulations, after I’ve seen this around southeast Michigan, I just think we are putting too many signs up,” said Theros.
