Navigating Ann Arbor: U of M Move-In and Washtenaw County Road Closures

Ann Arbor drivers, brace yourselves! The annual University of Michigan student move-in is upon us, bringing with it a flurry of road closures and traffic pattern changes. From August 19th to August 24th, navigating the city will require patience and planning. But that’s not all – ongoing roadwork across Washtenaw County adds another layer of complexity to your daily commute. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the closures and restrictions you need to know to navigate Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County effectively.

Whether you’re a student heading to campus, a resident commuting to work, or simply passing through, understanding these traffic disruptions is crucial. We’ll break down the key closures in Ann Arbor due to the U of M move-in, detail the roadwork impacting various parts of the county, and offer tips to help you plan your routes. Stay informed and avoid unnecessary delays!

Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll cover: temporary traffic changes during U of M move-in, specific road closures in Ann Arbor (Church Street, Hill Street, Huron Street, Independence Boulevard, Miller Avenue, Nixon Road, Pauline Boulevard, South Division Street, South State Street), special event closures downtown, and a round-up of other Washtenaw County projects affecting your commute. Let’s dive in!

Navigating University of Michigan Move-In Traffic

The University of Michigan’s student move-in is a significant event that transforms Ann Arbor’s traffic landscape. From Tuesday, August 19th, through Sunday, August 24th, drivers should anticipate temporary changes to traffic and parking in the downtown area. These changes are designed to accommodate the influx of students and their vehicles, but they can also lead to congestion and delays.

Meters will be bagged, and parking will be restricted on several downtown streets to facilitate the move-in process. It’s essential to pay close attention to signage and avoid parking in restricted areas to prevent ticketing or towing. Plan your trips accordingly, allowing extra time to reach your destination.

According to MLive, “Drivers should expect altered traffic patterns and plan accordingly.” This means being prepared for detours, slower speeds, and increased traffic volume, especially during peak move-in hours. Consider using alternative transportation options, such as buses or ride-sharing services, to minimize your impact on the roads and reduce your stress.

To further assist with navigation, here’s a list of streets where traffic patterns will be altered:

Thompson Street (one-way southbound from East Jefferson to Packard streets)
East Madison Street (one-way eastbound from Packard to South State streets)
Observatory Street (one-way southbound from East Ann to Geddes streets)
East Washington Street (one-way westbound from Fletcher to Thayer streets)
Maynard Street (from East Jefferson to East William streets)
East University Avenue (between Hill and Willard streets)
Church Street (between Hill and Willard streets)
Washington Heights (closed from Observatory Street to East Medical Center Drive)
East Ann Street (one-way eastbound from Zina Pitcher Place to Observatory streets)

Ann Arbor Road Closures: A Street-by-Street Guide

Beyond the move-in, several ongoing road closures in Ann Arbor will continue to affect traffic. These closures are due to construction projects, utility work, and special events, each requiring drivers to adjust their routes. Here’s a detailed look at the specific closures you need to be aware of:

Church Street: The northbound lane between Willard and Hill streets is closed for the construction of a high-rise apartment building, expected to last until April 1, 2027.
Hill Street: The westbound lane will be closed between State Street and Oakland Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, August 15th, to set up a concrete pump truck for Weil Hall.
Huron Street: Eastbound from Fourth Avenue to Division Street is closed for permit work through Sept. 26. Additionally, there will be a lane closure with a lane shift eastbound from Fletcher Street to Glen Avenue until Aug. 15 for construction.
Independence Boulevard: Access is restricted between Packard and Manchester Road until Aug. 30 to repair identified curbs, ramps, and install a new sidewalk.
Miller Avenue: Full closure from Seventh Street through and including Chapin Street is ongoing until Sept. 30 for an underground water main installation.

These closures can cause significant delays, especially during peak hours. It’s recommended to use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and find alternative routes. Consider adjusting your travel times to avoid the busiest periods.

Additional closures include:

Nixon Road: Closed between Huron Parkway and Bluett Drive until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 for roundabout installation and utility work.
Pauline Boulevard: Full closure between Seventh and Main street until mid-August for a new water main installation.
South Division Street: Closed between Hill Street and Hoover Avenue until 7 p.m. Sept. 12 for utility service and water main installation.
South State Street: Closed between East Hoover Avenue and Packard Street until Aug. 29 to construct a new water main.

Downtown Ann Arbor: Special Event Closures

Downtown Ann Arbor will also experience closures due to special events aimed at supporting local restaurants and retail businesses. These closures occur every week from Thursday afternoon through Monday morning, impacting several key streets. If you plan to visit downtown during these times, be prepared for detours and parking restrictions.

The following streets will be closed as part of the downtown closures for restaurant and retail use from 4 p.m. Thursdays through 6 a.m. Mondays through the end of September:

Main Street from William to Washington streets
West Liberty Street from Ashley to Main streets
East Liberty Street from Main to Fourth streets
West Washington Street from Ashley to Main streets

According to the city of Ann Arbor, these closures are intended to create a pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages residents and visitors to explore the downtown area. While the closures may cause temporary inconveniences, they also provide an opportunity to discover new businesses and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Washtenaw County Roadwork: Projects Outside Ann Arbor

Roadwork isn’t confined to Ann Arbor alone. Several projects across Washtenaw County will affect commute times and travel throughout the region. These projects range from bridge repairs to resurfacing work, each with its own set of restrictions and potential delays. Here’s a summary of the key projects:

Ann Arbor Township – Maple Road (Foster) Bridge: Work is underway between Huron River Drive and Country Club Road.
Ann Arbor Township – Maple Road railroad crossing: The road will be closed between Huron River Drive and County Club Road until Aug. 18 for railroad improvements.
Ann Arbor Township – Ford Road: Intermittent lane restrictions between Dixboro and Earhart roads from Monday, Aug. 18 to Tuesday, Aug. 19.
Ann Arbor Township – Warren Road: Intermittent lane restrictions between Earhart and Dixboro roads from Tuesday, Aug. 19 to Friday, Aug. 22.
Ann Arbor Township – Joy Road: Closed in both directions at U.S. 23 until Oct. 5 for construction.
Ann Arbor Township – U.S. 23: The shoulder from 8 Mile at the northern border of Washtenaw County to the Ohio State Line is closed for construction until Nov. 15.

Drivers traveling through these areas should be prepared for potential delays and consider alternative routes. Regularly checking traffic updates and using navigation apps can help minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother journey.

Further projects include:

Freedom Township – Waters Road: Daytime road closure between Haab and Parker roads from Monday, Aug. 18 until Tuesday, Aug. 19 for gravel resurfacing.
Freedom Township – Bethel Church Road: Daytime road closure between Eisman and Ernst roads from Tuesday, Aug. 19 until Thursday, Aug. 21 for gravel resurfacing.
Lima Township – I-94: Total closure eastbound from Baker Road to M-14 until Sunday, Aug. 17 for construction.
Lima, Scio Townships – Parker Road: Closed between Marshall Road and Dexter-Saline Road until Aug. 29 for road resurfacing.

Tips for Drivers: Navigating Closures and Restrictions

With so many road closures and traffic changes in effect, it’s essential to have a plan in place before you hit the road. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County with ease:

Plan Ahead: Before starting your journey, check for any road closures or traffic restrictions that may affect your route. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and find alternative routes.
Allow Extra Time: Be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak hours and around the University of Michigan campus during move-in. Allow extra time to reach your destination to avoid rushing and stress.
Pay Attention to Signage: Road closures and traffic changes are often accompanied by temporary signage. Pay close attention to these signs and follow the directions provided to ensure you’re on the correct route.
Consider Alternative Transportation: If possible, consider using alternative transportation options such as buses, ride-sharing services, or cycling to minimize your impact on the roads and reduce congestion.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest traffic news and road conditions by following local news outlets and social media accounts. This will help you stay informed about any unexpected closures or delays.

By following these tips, you can navigate Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County more effectively and avoid unnecessary disruptions to your travel plans.

Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared

Navigating Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County in August requires a proactive approach. From the University of Michigan’s move-in to ongoing roadwork projects, drivers face a complex web of closures and restrictions. By staying informed, planning ahead, and being prepared for potential delays, you can minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother journey.

Remember to check for road closures before you leave, allow extra travel time, and use navigation apps to find alternative routes. Consider alternative transportation options when possible, and always pay attention to signage. With a little preparation, you can confidently navigate the roads and enjoy all that Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County have to offer.

As the University of Michigan welcomes its new students and the county continues its road improvement projects, your awareness and cooperation are essential to maintaining smooth traffic flow. Embrace the changes, stay patient, and drive safely. Together, we can navigate these temporary inconveniences and keep our community moving forward.