To: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), City of Port Huron, and Local Elected Officials

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and community stakeholders of Port Huron, respectfully request the immediate reconsideration and reversal of the decision to vacate Lyons Street between 10th Avenue and Pine Grove Avenue.

Why Lyons Street Matters

Lyons Street has long served as a vital east-west connector in our community, supporting local traffic circulation, emergency access, and neighborhood cohesion. Its abrupt closure has created a cascade of negative consequences:

• Disrupted Traffic Flow: The loss of Lyons has increased congestion on Pine Grove and 10th Avenue, forcing detours through residential streets and reducing redundancy in our local road network. This is exacerbated by the construction of the Blue Water Bridge Plaza, and it is severely impacting businesses, residents, and commuters.
• Business Access Compromised: A local business that previously relied on a Lyons Street entrance now must redirect traffic to 10th and Pine Grove. This shift has confused customers, disrupted deliveries, and reduced traffic.
• Parking Lot Misuse: The business’s parking lot is now functioning as a surrogate roadway, mixing pedestrian and vehicular traffic in unsafe ways. This raises liability concerns, accelerates wear and tear, and diminishes customer experience.
• Emergency Response Delays: The removal of Lyons limits routing options for fire, EMS, and police services, potentially delaying critical response times and endangering residents.
• Community Fragmentation: Lyons supported walkability and neighborhood connectivity. Its closure undermines local connectivity and community.

Our Request

We urge MDOT and city officials to reinstate Lyons Street between 10th avenue and Pine Grove Avenue to restore safe and efficient traffic flow, develop a transparent plan for access, signage, and safety, and to conduct a formal impact study to assess the consequences of the closure and explore alternatives.

Lyons Street was not just pavement. It was a lifeline for local commerce, community access, and public safety. We ask that you prioritize the needs of Port Huron’s residents and businesses by restoring this essential corridor.