June 27, 2025 Update

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 Update

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.

June 12, 2025 Update

The contractor closed the intersection of South University Avenue and State Street to install the new water main, new fire hydrants as well as the water service lead to the University of Michigan’s Literature, Science and Arts building. 

For the week of June 16:

• The contractor will be installing a new water service lead to the Michigan Union prior to reopening the intersection of South University Avenue and State Street. North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer will then be closed from June 18 to June 20 to replace a fire hydrant near the intersection. The detour route for the North University closure will utilize Fletcher Road and East Washington Street.

June 6, 2025 update

The contractor finished placing water main under the north steam tunnel via a “jack and bore” technique and started the same process under the south steam tunnel. The contractor also continued to install new fire hydrants and new water service leads.

For the week of June 9

• The contractor will shut down the intersection of South University Avenue and State Street to allow for new water main installation in the area. This intersection closure will last for 2 to 3 weeks. The same detour route will apply for this intersection closure.

May 30, 2025 update

This past week, the contractor focused their efforts on the placement of water main under the north steam tunnel using a “jack and bore” technique. In addition, the installation of new fire hydrants was done.

For the Week of June 2  

• The contractor will move their jack and bore operation to place new water main beneath the south steam tunnel.
• The installation of water services to the University of Michigan buildings will also occur.

Detours in place

• The intersection of South University Avenue and State Street will close the week of June 9 for new water main installation. This intersection closure will last 2 to 3 weeks.
• The same detour route currently in place will apply for this intersection closure.

Detours in place

• Vehicles traveling northbound should follow the posted detour of Hill Street to South Forest Avenue, to Washtenaw Avenue (Business Route 94) to Geddes Road to North University Avenue.
• Vehicles traveling southbound should follow the posted detour of North University to Geddes Road to Washtenaw Avenue (Business Route 94) to South Forest Avenue to Hill Street. Cyclists traveling northbound should follow the posted detour of Packard Road to South Division Street to East William Street.
• Cyclists traveling southbound should follow the posted detour of East William Street to South Division Street to Packard Road.
• Pedestrians should follow the posted detour routes when sidewalks are closed to use.

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.