New retractable bollards are being installed in downtown Ann Arbor. This project is part of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority's Development Plan. This is a DDA-led effort to install safer and easier-to-use street-closing solutions throughout downtown for use in special events and street closures. Installations began in October 2026 and continue throughout 2027.

What are retractable bollards?

Retractable bollards are sturdy metal barriers that can be raised and lowered from the ground to help close streets. They’re a convenient way to help make our streets safer, especially during special events. When not in use, they sit flush with the ground, allowing vehicles to pass safely over them.

As downtown Ann Arbor continues to be a hub for events that require extensive street closures, the DDA is excited to help provide a safer and more convenient option integrated into the road infrastructure in key downtown areas.

Primary Goal: To implement an event barricade solution that improves safety and addresses operational challenges.

Secondary Goals:

• Improve aesthetics
• Improve storage needs
  • During and between barricade use
• Reduce ongoing costs
  • City currently pays for all barricade costs for Main Street closures
  • City depends on U-M for some equipment and deployment

All bollard installations are being coordinated with ongoing and upcoming construction projects throughout downtown. Priority is given to locations with frequent closures.

The first set of bollards was installed at the 4th Avenue and Liberty Street intersection as part of the DDA's 4th Ave Reconstruction Project.

More will be installed throughout the 2026 and 2027 construction seasons, on a rolling basis. This schedule is subject to change or delays.

2026 Bollard Install Locations

• North Main and Ann Street
• Ann Street between 4th and 5th Ave
• North U and South Thayer
• North U and Fletcher

2027 Bollard Install Locations

• Ashley and Washington
• Ashley and Liberty
• Washington and N Main
• William and S Main
• Liberty and 5th
• Liberty and Division

2028 and Beyond

2028 locations are still being finalized and may include alley access points within the Main Street District Area and other locations in the State Street District.

Existing Conditions and Challenges

The City currently uses a variety of barricades at downtown events. Each option has its own challenges, as highlighted below:

• Type Three barricades
  • Event staff can move and place them, which allows for flexibility

• That same flexibility results in the barricades being moved out of place and breaking over time
• Trip hazard, even when placed appropriately
• Unattractive and confusing

• Current PVB barricade
  • Event staff can move and place them, which allows for flexibility
  • That same flexibility results in the barricades being moved out of place and reduces the overall safety effectiveness
  • Unattractive
  • Concerns about performance

• Barricade ownership & management –solution needed
  • Without City involvement, all barricades must be flexible and lightweight so event managers can place and manage them

• Pilot with a Downtown Service Team (once one is in place)