June 2026 Update

Staff continue to work towards implementation of proposed recommendations from Phase I of the Gravel Roads Stormwater Management Drainage Study. One of these recommendations included installing a larger, enclosed stormwater pipe to convey more water westward along Dexter Road and away from private properties while working on the Dexter Road Sidewalk Project. However, due to a recent and unforeseen permit denial by another agency, this recommendation can no longer occur. City staff are working with engineering consultants to design alternatives to manage stormwater coming from north of Dexter.

As the city moves forward with its Capital Improvement Plan, staff will ensure the new sidewalk is coordinated with any revised strategies for stormwater management. An addendum will be included with the project plan – which is currently out for bid and available online.

Why is this project being done?

In November of 2020, voters approved a six-year sidewalk millage. This millage, which generates an annual revenue of approximately $1.3 million, is used exclusively to fill sidewalk gaps. Funding from the millage applies to all sidewalks constructed adjacent to tax-paying parcels in the City of Ann Arbor. The city developed a prioritization system for the public right-of-way where sidewalks do not currently exist. The system considers proximity to schools, transit, and other pedestrian attractors; equity; classification of adjacent road; community support/citizen requests; and safety. This system identifies the highest priority sidewalk gaps for inclusion in the city's Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).

Please visit the city's new sidewalk website for more information and to view the dashboard.

The Dexter Road sidewalk gap scores in the Highest range.

Work to be Done

New sidewalk (approximately 3,500 feet) will be installed along one side of Dexter Road between Seybold Drive and Ironwood Drive/Rose Drive, within the public right-of-way.

The latest design plan is now available here and in the Document Library which incorporates an addendum per the June 2026 Project Update.

Stormwater considerations & project coordination

This area was subject to Phase I of the Gravel Roads Stormwater Management Drainage Study, resulting in staff recommendations on how to best address stormwater issues on nearby cross streets. These recommendations are being reviewed for coordination of potential capital improvements and other stormwater management initiatives.

As a result of recent permit denial for stormwater discharge, the project has been delayed and effectively split into two phases in order to utilize available 2026 funds and allow additional time for finalizing the design - Phase 1 will include new sidewalk construction EAST of Kuehnle Avenue; Phase 2 will include new sidewalk construction WEST of Kuehnle Avenue. Both phases will include stormwater management improvements.

Funding sources

The project is currently anticipated to be approximately $1,000,000, funded by the sidewalk millage.

• Removal of trees and replacing with smaller ones
• Bus stop consolidation or upgrades
• Streetlights as necessary for crosswalks
• Removal of landscaping within right-of-way
• Disturbing driveway approaches

On Sept. 24, 2024 a project overview video was made available to the public.

• Informational video (YouTube)

On Oct. 5, 2024 two guided walks were held with project staff in the neighborhood.

• Dexter walk question and answer (PDF)

On Nov. 4, 2024 the post engagement online form for residents to submit questions and concerns about the project closed.

• Design informational video (Youtube)
• Video presentation slides (PDF)
• Sidewalk preliminary alignment (PDF)