May 15, 2026

This week the contractor continued installing the water main between Hill Street and Madison Street and finished testing the water main between State Street and Hill Street.

The following is planned for the week of May 18^th:

• Water main testing between Hill Street and Madison Street.
• Tie in new water main to existing water main between State Street and Hill Street.
• Beginning of Phase 1B of construction on May 20^th, which includes the closure of the Packard/Division/Madison intersection.
• Road and trolley track removals in the Packard/Division/Madison intersection, followed by installation of the new water main.

May 8, 2026

This week the contractor completed the road and trolley track removals between Hill Street and Madison Street and began installing the new water main. Testing of the new water main between State Street and Hill Street has also started.

The following is planned for the week of May 11^th:

• Continue water main installation from Hill Street to Madison Street.
• Continue water main testing between State Street and Hill Street.
• Beginning of Phase 1B of construction on May 12^th, which includes the closure of the Packard/Division/Madison intersection.
• Road and trolley track removals in the Packard/Division/Madison intersection, followed by installation of the new water main.

May 1, 2026

This week the contractor removed the pavement from the road and began installing the new water main from State Street to Hill Street.

The following is planned for the week of May 4^th:

• Water main installation from Hill Street to Madison Street.
• Testing of the new water main between State Street and Hill Street.

April 24, 2026

• This week construction began on the project! The contractor milled the road and began curb and sidewalk removal. Remnants of the old trolley track system that used to run through Ann Arbor were uncovered during construction. These tracks were laid in 1890, and the streetcar system was used until the mid-late 1920s, after which time the tracks were removed and the foundation was eventually covered up.
• Next week curb and sidewalk removal will continue, and installation of the new water main will begin.
• Please note that businesses remain open during construction and can still be accessed.

April 17, 2026

• Construction is set to start on Monday, April 20^th. This will begin Phase 1A of construction, where Packard Street will be closed between Division Street and State Street. Next week the contractor will begin installing the water main, with re-paving to follow when installation is complete.
• Due to other projects in the area, the northbound detour has temporarily changed. Traffic will now be directed north on State Street, then west on E William Street, north on Division Street, west on E Liberty Street, south on N Ashley Street, east on W William Street, then south onto S Main Street. This detour will be in place for at least one week, then the original Phase 1A detour will come into effect, with northbound traffic going north on State Street then west on E William Street.

April 9, 2026

• During Phase 1A (April 20 to Mid-July), Packard Street will be closed from Division Street to State Street. Northbound traffic will be detoured to State Street then west to William Street, and southbound traffic will be detoured to Fifth Ave then east to Hill Street.
• During Phase 1B (Late May to Mid-July), Packard Street will remain closed from Division Street to State Street, with the Packard/Division intersection being closed as well. The same detours will remain in effect.
• During Phase 2 (Mid-July to Fall), Packard Street will be closed between Main Street and Division Street. Northbound traffic will be detoured to Division Street then west to E William Street, and southbound traffic will be detoured to Main Street then east on Hill Street.
• Temporary two-way traffic for businesses and residents will be implemented on some existing one-way streets. During Phase 1, this includes East Madison Street between Fifth Avenue and Division Street, on Division Street between Packard Street and East Jefferson Street, on Cross Street between Packard Street and South Division Street, and on Mary Street between Packard Street and Benjamin Street. During Phase 2, this includes Fifth Avenue between Packard Street and East Jefferson Street.

Why is this work being done?

• Replace aging water main.

• Upgrade signals at Fourth and Fifth to city mast arm standards with accessible pedestrian signals.

• Street resurfacing due to pavement distress.

• Upgrade sidewalk ramps to meet ADA compliance.

• Make permanent, the quick build bike lane installations.

Work to be done

The project consists of installing a 12-inch water main along Packard Street from S. Main Street to State Street, street resurfacing, sidewalk ramp ADA improvements, mast arm signal upgrades at Fourth Ave and Fifth Ave, permanent pavement markings including bike lanes. Safety improvements will be implemented along the corridor that align with the city’s Vision Zero Transportation Plan for all ages and abilities routes.

Costs and funding sources

Street millage, water system capital improvement, Major Street Fund (for traffic signals only), and MDOT Local Agency Program funding sources.

• Driveway access will be maintained but may include delays during work hours, which will be coordinated with the residents beforehand.
• Water service will be interrupted for short durations during water main installation. Planned disruptions will be limited, and residents will be informed in advance.
• Utility damage sometimes happen during construction. These are not planned therefore notifications are not possible. In the event of damage to a utility, the damage will be repaired and utility service will be restored as soon as possible.
• General noise and dust from equipment, particularly during site excavation.
• Mail and delivery services, as well as curbside trash/recycling/compost services will not be affected. If you experience any disruptions, please contact the project team.
• The project requires limited impact beyond the right-of-way, which generally extends from the center of the road to the back of the sidewalk. The contractor will be allowed to store materials and equipment in this area. Any disturbed areas will be restored with grass and seed after the project.
• An inspector will be on site for the duration of construction. The inspector may be contacted by residents should they experience any issues during construction.

City staff and the project team will hold an engagement session with residents and stakeholder during the design phase in the summer 2025.

Property owners and stakeholders will be provided with updates throughout the project.

During construction, traffic route and impact information will be provided via the website and public notices. Water service interruptions will be provided via public notices and door hangers on impacted properties.

On June 12, 2025 a virtual information session was held

• Meeting Presentation (PDF)
• Meeting Video (Youtube)