Clemens Road Relocation Project On Schedule

Despite what appears to be a rather chaotic Clemens/Crocker roads intersection, plans are moving along smoothly for the Clemens Road relocation project.

Engineering Director Robert Kelley said the project, which has “been going on for a long time,” is on schedule.

“We’re very happy with how it’s going,” he said. “This is just one phase.”

Drivers in the area have to deal with amended traffic lanes and plenty of cones. 

Kelley said construction on Crocker is expected to be finished in October.

The project consists of the reconfiguration of the Clemens Road and Crocker Road intersection to ease vehicular traffic with the installation of new bypass roadways and I-90 ramp widening.

The City received federal safety funds for the project.

Bassett Road will also be widened at the intersection of the new Koyo Drive. Along with the new roadway installation and widening, Clemens Road just east of Bradley Road to Ranney Parkway and Crocker Road  from Bonne Bell to I-90 ramps will be resurfaced.

For an aerial concept plan, click here. 

The plans have been in the works for more than five years.

Plans also include building a split bypass from Crocker to Bassett roads, adding a lane to the Interstate 90 west ramp and add a northbound turn lane at Detroit and Crocker Roads.

“This is mostly for Clemens Road,” Mayor Dennis Clough said in 2011.

He said earlier that the project is meant to move along traffic from offices and developments that gets caught up on Clemens Road during rush hours.

The $5 million project will be financed half through federal funding, and half by the

Although this project is not in reaction to the Crocker Park expansion, it will help the area handle traffic from 2,000 American Greetings employees.

The city and independent firm Wells + Associates both conducted traffic studies for the area using projected numbers through 2030. Both found that the construction will facilitate movement and relieve congestion.

The study projects traffic patterns for the next 20 years, assuming that the city completes the planned construction and development continues in the area, including the building of American Greetings world headquarters near Crocker Park.

“The report says if we spend this money today, it will be sufficient with American Greetings coming,” Kelly said previously.