Why is this Project occurring?

To enhance safety for all roadway users of the North University Avenue and Thayer Street corridors, to improve transit route times for the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority traveling eastbound along North University Avenue, and upgrade aging infrastructure.

What outcomes will result from the Project?

• Stormwater quality will be improved by constructing an infiltration trench to filter runoff into the aquifer beneath the street instead of directly discharging rainwater to the Huron River.
• Two aging water mains will be consolidated into one new main owned and operated by the City.
• Two existing crosswalks on North University at Ingalls Mall will be combined into one raised mid-block crosswalk to enhance pedestrian safety.
• Bus route times for eastbound travel on North University Avenue will be improved by providing a dedicated eastbound transit lane. The dedicated lane will complement the dedicated northbound transit lane on State Street completed in the Fall of 2025.
• Safety will be enhanced along westbound North University Avenue by providing a designated bus loading / unloading zone for visitors to Hill Auditorium.
• The existing eastbound bus stop across from Hill Auditorium will be enhanced for transit users.
• Future sanitary service leads will be installed for designated buildings along the west side of Thayer Street.
• ‘Ride quality’ will be improved for drivers and bicycle users once North University Avenue and Thayer Street are resurfaced.
• The existing eastbound and westbound bicycle lanes along North University Avenue will be preserved.

Project funding sources

The project is funded by the City of Ann Arbor Street Fund, City of Ann Arbor Water Fund, City of Ann Arbor Storm Water Fund, City of Ann Arbor Sanitary Fund, and a financial contribution from the University of Michigan.

July 10, 2026

This past week, city crews transferred existing copper water services to the new water main on North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street. The contractor completed the new concrete planter boxes in the median east of Fletcher Street and installed temporary pavement along North University Avenue in preparation for the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

For the week of July 13:

• No construction work will take place during the week beginning Sunday, July 12. All construction equipment and materials will be removed from the site.
• Detour signs and traffic control devices will be removed for the Ann Arbor Art Fair and reinstalled after the event. North University Avenue will remain closed to vehicle traffic.
• Construction will resume July 20 with water main and storm sewer work.

Detour routes and continuing travel impacts:

• Beginning July 11 and continuing through the Ann Arbor Art Fair (July 15–18), the North University Avenue/Fletcher Street intersection will reopen. Southbound Fletcher Street traffic will be permitted to turn west onto North University Avenue, and eastbound North University Avenue traffic will be permitted to turn north onto Fletcher Street. North University Avenue will remain closed to through vehicle traffic between Fletcher Street and State Street.
• On July 20, the closure of the North University Avenue/Fletcher Street intersection will be reestablished and is expected to remain in place through Aug. 17.
• Access to the Kinesiology Building for vehicles and cyclists will remain via Thayer Street.
• Westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, west on Hill Street and north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound traffic on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, east on Hill Street, north on Washtenaw Avenue and west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.

July 2, 2026

This past week, the contractor completed a 6-inch water service connection for the Kinesiology Building fire suppression system and a 12-inch water main connection on Thayer Street. Crews also removed sidewalk, began constructing new planter boxes east of Fletcher Street on North University Avenue, cleaned the site and prepared for temporary pavement installation ahead of the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

For the week of July 6:

• City crews will transfer existing copper water services to the new water main on North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street on Wednesday, July 8. Buildings in the area will experience a 15-60 minute water interruption.
• Continue pouring concrete for the new planter boxes east of Fletcher Street on North University Avenue. The planter boxes will be similar in size and shape to those previously in place.
• Install temporary pavement along North University Avenue in preparation for the Ann Arbor Art Fair.

Detour routes and continuing travel impacts:

• Access to the Kinesiology Building for vehicles and cyclists will remain via Thayer Street.
• Westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, west on Hill Street and north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound traffic on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, east on Hill Street, north on Washtenaw Avenue and west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Southbound Fletcher Street remains closed north of North University Avenue. Northbound Fletcher Street remains accessible via a right turn from westbound North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue. Southbound Fletcher Street traffic will be detoured via East Washington Street, State Street and North University Avenue.

June 26, 2026

Work completed this past week:

Crews completed new water service connections to the Michigan League and Chemistry Building. They also tested, disinfected and flushed the new water main on North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street and finished installing new water service lines in the area.

A new water service connection at the Kinesiology Building is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, June 27, weather permitting.

Week of June 29:

• A new water connection for the Kinesiology Building's fire suppression system is tentatively scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 2, weather permitting.
• Crews will connect new water service lines to buildings along the north side of North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street, including the Thayer Street intersection. Building occupants will receive at least 48 hours' notice before any planned water shutoffs.
• Work will begin on new planter boxes and curbs east of Fletcher Street. The new planter boxes will be similar in size and shape to those that were removed before construction.
• Existing water services will be connected to the new water main. This work may cause brief water interruptions of about 15 to 30 minutes.

Detours and travel impacts:

• Vehicles and cyclists accessing the Kinesiology Building should use Thayer Street.
• Westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, west on Hill Street and north on State Street back to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound traffic on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, east on Hill Street, north on Washtenaw Avenue and west on Geddes Avenue back to North University Avenue.
• Southbound Fletcher Street is closed north of North University Avenue. Drivers traveling south on Fletcher Street should use East Washington Street, State Street and North University Avenue. Northbound Fletcher Street remains accessible from westbound North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue.

June 18, 2026

This past week, the contractor completed water main connections at the intersection of Fletcher Street and North University Avenue. The contractor also continued water main installation and began the installation of service lead pipes on North University Avenue between State Street and west of Thayer Street.

For the week of June 22:

• A new water connection service will be made to the Chemistry Building on June 23. This is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., weather permitting.
• A new water connection service will now be made to the Kinesiology Building tentatively on June 27. This is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., weather permitting.
• A new water connection service will be made to the Michigan League.
• Perform connections to the service leads for buildings along the north side of North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street and at the intersection of Thayer Street and North University Avenue.
• Prepare for new planter boxes and curb east of Fletcher Street on North University Avenue. The planter boxes will be similar in shape and size to the one that existed prior to the start of construction.

Detour route and travel impacts:

• Vehicles and cyclists accessing the Kinesiology building will gain access via Thayer Street.

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Southbound Fletcher Street is closed north of North University Avenue. Fletcher Street is open to westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue for a right-hand turn to northbound Fletcher Street. Southbound Fletcher Street traffic will follow East Washington Street to State Street to North University Avenue.

June 12, 2026

This past week, the contractor completed water main installation on North University Avenue between Fletcher Street and east of Thayer Street. Pressure testing on the water main on North University Avenue was completed. The contractor began water main installation on North University Avenue between State Street and west of Thayer Street.

For the week of June 15:

• Begin water main connections from the new main to the existing on North University Avenue between State Street and Fletcher Street. These connections include service to new fire hydrant connection and laying service lead pipe for new water connections to buildings. Water main shutdowns for buildings will be coordinated and scheduled with applicable UM representatives.
• Continue water main installation on North University Avenue between State Street and west of Thayer Street.

Upcoming activities of note:

• A new water connection service will be made to the Chemistry Building tentatively on June 23. This is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, weather permitting.
• A new water connection service will be made to the Kinesiology Building tentatively on June 25. This is scheduled to begin at 9 pm, weather permitting.

Detour route and travel impacts:

• Vehicles and cyclists accessing the Kinesiology building will gain access via Thayer Street.

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Southbound Fletcher Street is closed north of North University Avenue. Fletcher Street is open to westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue for a right-hand turn to northbound Fletcher Street. Southbound Fletcher Street traffic will follow East Washington Street to State Street to North University Avenue.

June 5, 2026

This past week, the contractor began water main installation on North University Avenue between Thayer Street and Fletcher Street.

For the week of June 8:

• Continue water main installation on North University Avenue between Thayer Street and Fletcher Street. Install hydrant and service laterals.
• Begin pressure testing and bacteriological sampling on the water main on North University Avenue once installation is completed between Thayer Street and Fletcher Street.
• Begin water main installation on North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street.
• A new water connection service will be made to the Chemistry Building tentatively on June 23. More details to come next week.

Detour route and travel impacts:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.

May 29, 2026

This past week, the contractor completed installation of the water main on Thayer Street and connection to Hill Auditorium and private residences was completed. The contractor completed pavement removals on Thayer Street. The contractor also completed removals of the center boulevard east of the Fletcher Street and North University Avenue intersection.

For the week of June 1:

• Begin water main installation on North University Avenue.

Detour route and travel impacts:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Vehicles and cyclists accessing the Kinesiology building will gain access via State Street and North University.

• Southbound Fletcher Street is closed north of North University Avenue. Fletcher Street is open to westbound traffic on North University Avenue/Geddes Avenue for a right-hand turn to northbound Fletcher Street. Southbound Fletcher Street traffic will follow East Washington Street to State Street to North University Avenue.

May 22, 2026

This past week, the contractor continued the installation of the water main on Thayer Street including service laterals and completed the pressure test. The bacteriological sampling process for the water main is underway. The contractor also completed the pressure test on the sanitary main on Thayer Street. The contractor began removals and utility locating on North University Avenue in preparation for water main installation.

For the week of May 25:

• Complete water main connections of the new main to the existing on Thayer Street.
• Begin pavement removals and water main installation on North University Avenue.
• Begin removals of the center boulevard east of the Fletcher Street and North University Avenue intersection and prep for replacement.
• No work will take place on Monday 5/25 due to Memorial Day.

Detour route and travel impacts:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue / Geddes Road will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Vehicles and cyclists accessing the Kinesiology building will gain access via Washington Street and Thayer Street.
• Vehicles and cyclists traveling south on Fletcher, south of East Washington, will be detoured north to Huron Street, then east / south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Geddes Road.

May 15, 2026

This past week, the contractor installed the sanitary main and leads on Thayer Street and began the construction of the water main and hydrant on Thayer Street.

For the week of May 18:

• Continue the construction of water main on Thayer Street.
• Remove curb and install Hill Auditorium service lead.
• Begin water main construction on North University Ave.
• Pavement repairs on North University Ave.

Traffic will continue to be detoured as follows:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.

May 8, 2026

This week, the contractor implemented traffic control and soil erosion control devices, and removed pavement for sanitary main installation on Thayer Street.

For the week of May 11:

• Installation of sanitary building leads will begin on Thayer Street.
• Installation of water main will begin on Thayer Street.
• No work will take place on Monday 5/11 & Friday 5/15 due to the University of Michigan Commencement activities.

Detour Route and other travel impacts:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on Washtenaw Avenue then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.

May 1, 2026

This week, the Contractor prepared traffic control elements for the road closure on Monday, May 4.

For the week of May 4:

• Implement traffic control devices
• Install soil erosion control devices
• Remove pavement and begin sanitary main installation on Thayer Street.
• No work will take place on Friday 5/8 due to the University of Michigan Commencement activities.

Detour route and other travel impacts:

• Westbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on Washtenaw Avenue, then south on S. Forest Avenue, then west on Hill Street, then north on State Street to North University Avenue.
• Eastbound vehicles and cyclists traveling on North University Avenue will be detoured south on State Street, then east on Hill Street, then north on S. Forest Avenue, then north of Washtenaw Avenue then west on Geddes Avenue to North University Avenue.
• Emergency vehicles are advised to follow the posted detour, however, access to driveways within the closure will be maintained.
• Through November, sidewalk closures will occur to provide space for work and to protect the safety of the public. Posted detours will be provided when a sidewalk closure occurs.

• North University Avenue will be closed to thru traffic for the duration of construction (May – November 2026) between State Street and Fletcher Street. Only deliveries and operations for University facilities will be permitted to travel along North University Avenue internal to the work zone.
• Thayer Street will be accessible from East Washington Street only. No access to Thayer Street will be available via North University Avenue.
• Bicycle travel on North University Avenue and Thayer Street will be required to follow posted detours.
• Pedestrian travel will be maintained through the work zone.
• The Project will pause the week of July 13, 2026, for the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
• Detour details can be found on the City’s road and lane closure web page.

Nov. 10, 2025 Virtual Information Session

• Meeting Presentation (PDF)
• Meeting Recording (Youtube)