Why is this project being done?

The existing 6- and 8-inch diameter water main along Ann Street between N First Street and N Fifth Avenue is over 100-years old, is undersized, and needs to be replaced. The road surface is in bad condition and needs to be replaced. This area is a great candidate for infiltrating storm sewer because the soils under the road have good infiltration rates and it is in the overwhelmed Allen Creek watershed.

Work to be done

• Water Main:
  • The water main between N First Street and N Fifth Avenue will be upsized to a 12-in water main.
• Storm Sewer:
  • Oversized, infiltrating storm sewer will be installed between N Main Street and N Fifth Avenue to remove the first inch of rainfall on the road influence from the Allen Creek drain and infiltrate it back into the earth.
  • Various storm sewer inlets will be upgraded and moved as necessary for proper drainage.
• Curb and Road Surface:
  • The paint and post bump outs currently on Ann Street will be made permeant with concrete curb and gutter.
  • Similar bump outs will be added to N Main Street and Ann Street intersection and to the west half of N Fifth Avenue and Ann Street intersection.
  • The streetscape will be updated based on public input.
  • The trees between Main and Fourth are in poor health and they will be replaced.
  • The road will be resurfaced

Costs and funding source

Water main work will be paid for by the Water Supply System Fund. Stormwater system improvement will be paid for by the Stormwater Fund. Repaving will be funded by the Road, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund. Streetscape upgrades will be funded by the Ann Arbor DDA.

• The streets will be closed to through traffic during construction. Residential and business access will be maintained but may include delays during working hours. Cross street traffic will be maintained as much as possible.
• Water service will be interrupted for short durations during water main installation. Planned disruptions will be limited, and residents/businesses will be informed in advance.
• Water main breaks happen during construction, these are not planned therefore notifications are not possible. The breaks will be repaired, and water service will be restored as soon as possible.
• General noise and dust from equipment, particularly during site excavation.
• Relocation and the addition of new fire hydrants may change or eliminate some on-street parking along the streets.
• Mail and delivery services, as well as garbage, compost, and recycling pick up will be accommodated during construction.
• Customer and delivery access to businesses in the area will be coordinated with the business owners.
• The project limits are within the City Right-of-Way which extends from the center of the road to 1 foot behind the back of the sidewalk on both sides of the road. The contractor will be allowed to store materials and equipment in this area (outside of tree canopies). Any disturbed area will be restored with grass seed after the project.
• Construction notifications, with an estimated schedule, will be delivered prior to construction.

Please fill out the Ann Street Corridor Experience form below to share about your experiences traveling the Ann Street corridor. The form will be available until Friday, May 30, 2025. Results, questions and concerns from the form submissions will be shared after the closing date.