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 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.

• 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, with portions of First Street and Washington Street closed. Detours will be provided, please follow all construction signage.
• The First Street and Washington Street intersection will be closed for the duration of the project.
• Miller Avenue will remain open during the project, with temporary lane closures.
• Bike lane closures will be required and will correspond with road closures.
• Sidewalk access will be maintained.
• Parking access to major parking structures in the area will be maintained.
• Planned utility interruptions will be communicated in advance.
• YMCA access will be maintained throughout the project.
• First Street businesses will remain accessible during construction.

Microtunneling

Microtunneling, a form of trenchless installation, is a method of installing pipes underground without large, open trenches across property or roads. Instead, a limited number of access points are provided at shafts located along the path of the pipe to ensure proper installation. A microtunnel boring machine is launched from a jacking shaft to a reception shaft to install the pipe underground from shaft to shaft, thereby avoiding open trenches.

Benefits of using a trenchless installation method include:

• minimized disruption to the surface along the pipe alignment
• reduced disruption to traffic at intersections as the pipe is tunneled underneath the intersection
• faster installation time
• reduces the amount of handling of contaminated ground or soil
• increased accuracy of installation

This project will be the first time the City of Ann Arbor will microtrunnel for sewer pipe installation.