Macomb County Adds Wayfinding Signage, Safety Markers To Trail

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Macomb County is adding wayfinding signage and additional safety markers to the Macomb Orchard Trail, a plan county officials say they hope boosts safety.

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development and the Macomb County Department of Roads announced the new safety features last week. The departments collaborated to update and install wayfinding signs and markers in May.

The work is part of the second phase of projects aimed at increasing safety along the trail, officials said. The first phase was completed in 2020 and focused on installing stop signs and road name signs, as well as on-road signs denoting trail crossings.

“Macomb County possesses a world-class trail system that connects pristine natural areas and dynamic public spaces," Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said. “We continue to invest in these assets in a way that ensures health, safety and community vibrancy. With the technical knowledge of our Department of Roads, the creativity of our Planning and Economic Development team and the local insight from our community partners, we are making transformational investments in our shared non-motorized assets."

Three sign types will be featured in phase two of the project. The signage includes updating trail map signs, adding wayfinding signs and trail safety/mile markers.

Original trail map boards have been replaced with reflective, durable signs that can be easily viewed and accessed along the trail, officials said. Ten signs have been installed at trail access points, such as Fulton Street in downtown Armada, Trailside Park in downtown Romeo and the Trailhead at Dequindre Road in Shelby Township.

Wayfinding signs were developed and installed at strategic locations along the trail in an effort to promote local downtown districts and guide trail users to various community amenities. Those signs direct trail users to restrooms, dining areas, adjoining trails and nearby local and regional parks.

Beginning at Dequindre Road, and located every half-mile along the trail, trail markers will provide trail users with a way to identify their location along the trail. They can be used as a rough estimate of distance traveled, as well as provide critical safety information for our emergency responders.

"The Macomb Orchard Trail connects people and communities and our focus is to provide traffic safety to all modes of transportation within Macomb County,” Macomb County Department of Roads Director Bryan Santo said. “We are pleased to be a leading partner in this non-motorized traffic project to increase safety on the trail while providing support to the communities that are connected to it."