Jackson, Mich. – A major revitalization project is set to transform Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (MLK Dr.) in Jackson. The “Martin Luther King Reimagined” project will update a one-mile stretch of the road, spanning from Morrell Street to South Street. The upgrade, which is expected to cost $7.5 million, is designed to improve traffic flow and safety while also supporting local businesses along the route.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will contribute $6.7 million toward the project, with the remaining $800,000 to be funded by the city of Jackson.
City officials and business owners alike are keeping a close eye on the project, as its impact will be felt by both commuters and local businesses. Dave Smelser, manager at Hammond Hardware in Jackson, expressed concerns about how the construction could affect traffic and accessibility for his customers.
“The biggest thing is traffic flow for me from this business aspect,” said Smelser, acknowledging the temporary disruptions that will accompany the upgrades.
The project has historical significance as well. According to John Willis, Jackson’s chief equity officer, the street’s layout has been influenced by the presence of a trolley system that operated along the route in 1910. The trolley, which ran from Michigan Avenue to Hague Park, necessitated a wider street. When the trolley was removed, the extra lanes remained, creating a wider-than-necessary road.
The new “street diet” will remove those extra lanes, narrowing the street and improving pedestrian safety. The design will include “bump outs” along the road to shorten the distance pedestrians must cross, reducing the number of lanes they need to navigate. This change is expected to make crossings safer for residents, especially in busy areas.
For the duration of the project, MLK Dr. will be temporarily transformed into a one-way street, with only northbound lanes open for travel. Construction will begin in May 2025, starting from Morrell Street to High Street. The second phase of the project, from High Street to South Street, will begin in 2026, with completion expected by the end of the year.
While business owners like Smelser anticipate some challenges, they are aware that the long-term benefits of the project may outweigh the temporary inconveniences. “In 2026, the roads are going to be torn up, and our entrance and exit onto MLK will be hampered as they tear up the pavement and put in new sewer and water lines,” Smelser said.
Despite these disruptions, the primary focus of the project is to improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers. To further support the local business community, a separate $4.5 million grant will be allocated to assist shops along the affected stretch of MLK Dr. The funds will also go toward the construction of a new grocery store to serve Jackson’s Southside, an area that has long been in need of greater access to fresh food.
The “Martin Luther King Reimagined” project represents a significant step forward for Jackson, combining infrastructure improvements with community investment to create a safer, more sustainable environment for all.
