Project Overview

Improvements to enhance safety for all roadway users of the North University Avenue and Thayer Street corridors.

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.

  • 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.

TBD. Check back soon!

Project Boundaries & Designs