February 9, 2026 Update:

• Construction within the Ashley Street and Washington Street intersection originally planned to begin February 4, has been rescheduled due to conditions in the field. This portion of work is now scheduled to begin Thursday, February 12, and is expected to be completed within one week.
• The following impacts will be in effect February 12-19, 2026. Please follow all posted construction signage.
  • The west side of the Ashley Street and Washington Street intersection (southbound lane) will be closed to traffic.
  • The southbound lane of Ashley Street between Washington Street and Huron Street will be closed to traffic. Ashley Street will remain open to northbound traffic.
  • Washington Street between First Street and Ashley Street will be closed to traffic. Alley access will remain available from Liberty Street. Westbound Washington Street traffic will be required to turn northbound onto Ashley Street.
  • The First & Huron Parking Lot will remain accessible via First Street and via northbound Ashley Street.
  • The First & Washington Parking Structure will be accessible from First Street. The Washington Street entrance will not be accessible.

January 30, 2026 Update:

• Work to relocate existing utilities within the project area is underway. As part of this effort, construction is required within the Ashley Street and Washington Street intersection.
• This portion of work is scheduled to begin Wednesday, February 4 and is expected to be completed within one week. The following impacts will be in effect. Please follow all posted construction signage.
  • The west side of the Ashley Street and Washington Street intersection (southbound lane) will be closed to traffic.
  • The southbound lane of Ashley Street between Washington Street and Huron Street will be closed to traffic. Ashley Street will remain open to northbound traffic.
  • Washington Street between First Street and Ashley Street will be closed to traffic. Alley access will remain available from Liberty Street. Westbound Washington Street traffic will be required to turn northbound onto Ashley Street.
  • The First & Huron Parking Lot will remain accessible via First Street and via northbound Ashley Street.
  • The First & Washington Parking Structure will be accessible from First Street. The Washington Street entrance will not be accessible.

January 20, 2026 Update:

• Contractor has begun exploratory work to locate existing utilities within the project area that will need to be relocated in advance of the planned work.
• Sub-contractor (FK Engineering) will be capturing video footage the week of January 26, which includes the condition of properties in the areas of First Street from West Washington Street to Miller Avenue and along West Washington Street from Third Street to South First Street. The recording will take place adjacent to buildings from the the public sidewalk and the area immediately surrounding the buildings and are strictly for project documentation purposes.
• The project team is coordinating with Waste Management regarding dumpster access. Impacted property owners will be notified about relocated dumpsters.

January 5, 2026 Update:

• The First Street and Washington Street intersection is set to close to traffic at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and will remain closed through Fall 2026. Please follow all construction signage.
• The contractor for this project is Ric-Man Construction Inc., and the City’s Engineering Consultants, Stantec and OHM Advisors, will be overseeing construction efforts and communications.
• The YMCA parking lot and the parking structures near the First Street and Washington Street intersection will remain accessible.
• Pedestrian access through the intersection will be maintained.
• The First Street bike lane will be closed at the intersection.
• Businesses along First Street and Washington Street will remain accessible.
• Additional road closures on First Street and Washington Street will be necessary, advanced notice will be provided.

Why is this project being done?

In an effort to support future development and population growth, the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan are partnering together to expand the City’s sanitary sewer system capacity.

The project aligns with the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan – which outlines the need for future capacity enhancements – but also accommodates U-M’s plans to develop a new Central Campus residential complex that will be built and occupied by Fall 2026.

Project Limits

The project will take place in the areas of First Street from West Washington Street to Miller Avenue and along West Washington Street from Third Street to First Street. This route was selected due to environmental factors, right-of-way access and scheduling needs.

Funding source

The University of Michigan is partnering with the City by providing funding for this project.

Project Communications

Construction flyers and email updates will be used throughout the project to alert those impacted by construction.

General Information

• Normal work hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The contractor may request to work outside these hours, including Sundays, to meet deadlines. The city will evaluate requests individually.
• Construction noise, including generators for Microtunneling and pumping of sewage, as well as some dust and debris in the areas of work.
• Trenchless installation methods will be used throughout construction to reduce surface impacts and to expedite the project’s completion schedule.
• Road closures will be required. Detours will be provided, please follow all construction signage.

Adjacent Property Information:

• Planned utility interruptions will be communicated in advance.
• On-street parking restrictions will be posted.
• YMCA access will be maintained throughout the project.
• First Street businesses will remain accessible during construction.
• Dumpsters may be relocated. The project team will coordinate with Waste Management.