long-awaited makeover of mlk jr. drive and 'suicide circle' now open
![revised_layout_105_traffic_circle[1].jpg](/galleries/revised_layout_105_traffic_circle[1].jpg)
The much-maligned traffic circle at East 105th and MLK Jr. Drive has been completely redeveloped and is now open to vehicle traffic. Fresh Water first reported on these planned improvements two and a half years ago.
"This traffic circle has one of the highest rates of vehicular accidents in the region -- they're mostly fender benders, because people are just confused by it," Chris Bongorno, Director of Planning with University Circle Incorporated (UCI), said at the time. "The new configuration will definitely be more pedestrian and bike friendly, and will also help to connect people to Rockefeller Park and University Circle."
According to a press release from Cuyahoga County, which spearheaded the project in partnership with the City of Cleveland, the $7.2 million infrastructure project "modified an existing roadway network at East 105th Street, MLK Boulevard, Mt. Sinai Drive, East Boulevard, and Jeptha Drive. An existing roundabout was eliminated and the remaining roadways geometrically realigned."
The project complete overhauled the existing infrastructure. Mt. Sinai was moved south of its previous location, while Jeptha Drive was moved north. East 105th Street was widened and now includes turning lanes. Finally, MLK Jr. Boulevard has been widened and realigned, and East Boulevard has been extended.
Additional improvements include new sidewalks, paths and the reconstruction of the Cancer Survivor Plaza. A new bio swale will have over 4,000 shrubs and perennials, apparently.
The pedestrian- and bike-friendly components of the project, a major priority for the University Circle area, join a host of similar initiatives in the area, including bike lanes on Euclid Avenue and two new Red Line rapid stations. A pedestrian boardwalk will serve to connect East 105th Street to MLK Jr. Blvd.
There are still a few items to be ticked off the completion list, including installation of the shrubs and perennials, permanent pavement markings and permanent traffic signals, but the project is largely done in time for the holidays.
