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.

Full Closure of State Street North of South University Avenue and South of East William Street 7 a.m. Friday, May 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025

This closure will allow pavement removal and replacement, utility work, associated sidewalk, sidewalk ramp and crosswalk improvements.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, State Street will be closed to traffic in both directions north of South University Avenue and south of East William Street.

Prior to the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the intersection of South University and State Street, and North University Avenue between State Street and Thayer Street will be closed for a set duration to accommodate water main installation. A separate notification will be issued to inform the public of the new traffic pattern that will take place at that time.

During construction, traffic will be restricted to emergency vehicles, refuse pickup and mail delivery.

The following detours will be in place:

  1. 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.
  2. Vehciles 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pedestrains should follow the posted detour routes when sidewalks are closed to use.

A second phase of construction will begin July 21, after the Ann Arbor Art Fair concludes. A separate notification will be issued to inform the public of the new traffic pattern that will take place at that time.

Local and emergency vehicle access will be maintained.

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.

Project Designs