Project Overview
This is a continuation of projects along State Street to replace aging drinking water pipes, improve stormwater infrastructure to improve water quality, resurface a road in poor condition, consider the University of Michigan’s 2050 Campus Plan, and enhance safety and mobility options as outlined in the City’s Moving Together Towards Vision Zero transportation plan.
July 11, 2025
New domestic and fire suppression water leads were connected to the Literature, Science and Arts building. Surface work on State Street as well as demobilization of equipment and materials to clear the road and sidewalks for the Art Fair were done.
Week of July 14:
- No work will occur due to the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Week of July 21:
- Construction work will resume and State Street between north of South University and south of East William will remain closed through mid-November 2025.
- The focus will shift from water main to storm sewer infrastructure installation when work resumes.
July 3, 2025  
The intersection of South University Avenue and State Street was closed on Monday, June 30 to install a new water main and restore the intersection surface for Art Fair. The water service connection for the Union and the Trotter Multicultural Center occurred on July 1 and 3. Plumbing work commenced inside Angell Hall.
For the week of July 7:  
- New domestic and fire suppression water leads will be connected to the Literature, Science and Arts buildings on Tuesday, July 8.
- The contractor will perform surface work to State Street in preparation for the Art Fair. The contractor will demobilize equipment and materials by Friday, July 11.
June 27, 2025
Chlorination and testing of the new water main was completed to prepare it for water service tie-ins to the existing water main. A new hydrant was installed at the corner of North University Avenue and State Street, and reopened North University Avenue to traffic.
For the week of June 30:  
- The intersection of South University Avenue and State Street will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 30 to install a new water main and restore the intersection surface for the Art Fair.
- The water service connection for the Union is scheduled for July 1.
Art Fair
- State Street will reopen for the Art Fair on July 14, 2025, but will close again after the event. Construction will then continue through November 2025.
June 20, 2025
A new water main and fire hydrants were installed at the South University Avenue and State Street intersection. In addition, new water service leads were placed to serve the U-M Union and LSA building. The intersection will partially reopen Friday, June 20, 2025, allowing access from the east and south. State Street north of the intersection will remain closed.
The work for the next week will include the following:  
For the Week of June 23:
- Chlorination and testing of the new water main will begin.
- North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street will be closed to traffic to install a new fire hydrant starting on Monday, June 23 with a projected reopening by Thursday, June 26, 2025. The suggested detour route for the westbound direction is North University to Thayer to East Washington to State Street. The suggested detour route for the eastbound direction is State Street to East Washington to Thayer to North University.
- On either Friday, June 27 or Monday, June 30, the contractor will tie in the new water services to the Union and LSA buildings. This will require up to a full day shutdown of water service to both buildings. Coordination will occur with the University of Michigan.
 Art Fair
- State Street will reopen for the Art Fair on July 14, 2025, but will close again after the event. Construction will then continue through November 2025
Why is this project being done?
- Stormwater runoff quality to be improved by constructing an infiltration trench to send water into the aquifer instead of a directly to the Huron River which gives soil the opportunity to filter out pollutants.
- Consolidation of two aging water mains maintained by the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan into one.
- Protected bicycle lanes.
- Two raised mid-block crosswalks to enhance safety for people crossing the road.
- A northbound transit queue jump lane to improve bus headway times along the corridor.
- A transit signal at the intersection of State Street and East William to allow buses to get ahead of other vehicles.
- Enhanced bus stops for northbound and southbound riders.
- On-street parking will be removed to make space for the transit and bicycle improvements. The city is reviewing adjacent locations for on-street parking.
Funding sources
This project is funded by the City of Ann Arbor Street, Bridge and Sidewalk Millage, Water Fund, Storm water Fund, and University of Michigan.
- State Street will be closed for the duration of construction between South University and East William Street.
- The contractor will be required to maintain the construction site for fire truck access.
- Detour details are available via the city’s road and lane closure page.
- The project will be paused so that State Street can be open for the 2025 Art Fair.