A resolution allowing a joint study of Chandler Road was approved by East Lansing officials Tuesday night, setting the stage for the project to begin.

The purpose of the study, which is expected to start in January, is to evaluate traffic patterns on Chandler Road, from Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing to Stoll Road in Bath Township. The estimated $20,000 project will be jointly conducted between East Lansing and Bath Township.

Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing's director of planning and community development, has said safety concerns along the two-lane road prompted officials over the past 12 months to consider a road assessment.

An increase in traffic and development is expected in the area during the next 10 to 20 years, concerning officials that improvements will need to be made. Curbs and gutters, sidewalks and better lighting are possible additions, van Ravensway has said.

The study comes one year after the death of MSU student Clare McCormick, who was hit by a car while walking along the same area up for inspection. The road has been criticized for having a high speed limit, a lack of sidewalks and poor lighting.

Both municipalities had resolutions on the table this week that needed to be passed before the analysis could start.

It was a quick decision for the East Lansing City Council, which voted unanimously in favor of the resolution during its Tuesday meeting.

Mayor Mark Meadows said the study is "extremely important to both communities."

"We have to address the traffic issue," Meadows said. "There's been tremendous growth up there."

But it wasn't as easy of a decision for Bath Township trustees, who spent a considerable amount of time debating the issue during their Monday meeting. Their resolution was approved on a 5-2 vote.

Trustee Roni Christmas opposed her board's resolution and said they shouldn't rely on the estimated cost.

"Things don't always cost what you think they're going to cost," Christmas said during the meeting. "I don't see a real urgency in moving forward with this. I still think it's worth looking into."

A formula will determine how the cost will be divided between the two municipalities as well as the source of funds. Officials from Bath Township anticipate East Lansing paying for more than half the cost.

But trustee Scott Ray said jointly conducting the study with East Lansing is unnecessary.

"I haven't had anyone tell me yet what the advantages are of joining together to work with East Lansing," Ray said. "If we put forth our own money, then it's focused on our needs and our wants."

Board Treasurer Steven Wiswasser said money shouldn't be a "stumbling block," and trustee Christine Cygan said it was logical to administer the analysis with East Lansing.

Officials from Bath Township then attended the East Lansing City Council meeting to express support for the joint study.

"It's important to undertake a study of this type," Township Superintendent Mark Ritter said to the council. "We're excited to move ahead with it."