The installation of a crane on East Ann Street in Washtenaw County is set to disrupt traffic and commute times for residents from Wednesday, Jan. 4, until Tuesday, Jan. 10. During this time; eastbound traffic will be limited as contractors occupy approximately 250 feet of the street west of Glen Avenue. The reason for the disruption is for the construction of a brand new nine-story mixed-use development near the University of Michigan’s hospitals. The development will be known as The Glen and will feature apartments, a 164-room hotel (the Vanguard Hotel), event and meeting space, retail shops, and parking. To accommodate the crane installation, East Ann Street will switch to two-way traffic between North Ingalls Street and Glen Avenue to provide access to properties along the street while also limiting eastbound traffic. In addition, parking on the north side will be prohibited temporarily to make room for an additional lane headed westward during that time.

South Fourth Avenue will be fully closed off between Huron and Washington streets starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, to set up a crane at the Courthouse Square senior apartments at 100 S. Fourth Ave. This closure is necessary to create a safe work zone for contractors to operate without putting pedestrians or drivers in harm’s way. Northbound vehicles must use an alternate route of Washington, Main, and Huron Streets. Southbound traffic can detour using Huron Street, Fifth Avenue, and Washington Street to reach their destination safely and timely while allowing local access to businesses and driveways throughout this project. Additionally, pedestrians will still have access to the east side of South Fourth Avenue while the closure is active, so they can continue navigating around this area as needed.

West Madison Street between South Ashley and South Main streets will be subject to a lane closure and shift until the end of February due to the construction of a new building on the southwest corner of South Main and West Madison. This project necessitates that the eastbound lane of West Madison Street is taken over, a closure which will last 24 hours throughout its duration. As such, drivers traveling eastbound along West Madison Street will need to shift into the left turn lane at the intersection with South Main Street. The new building being constructed is expected to have a positive impact on traffic in the area, as it will help facilitate more efficient movement from one street to another. The building is also anticipated to contain modern amenities and features, providing an attractive aesthetic for pedestrians and motorists.

The lane closure at the intersection of Ellsworth Road and Oak Valley Drive is expected to last until Friday, Jan. 6, as traffic signals are installed. This project aims to improve safety for drivers in the area by increasing visibility when turning into the intersection. Meanwhile, the road between McKean and Rawsonville roads will also experience intermittent lane closures until Friday, Jan. 6. The closures are necessary for maintenance purposes. They are part of an effort to improve roadway conditions in this region of Michigan. Local officials emphasize that motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians should take extra precautions when traveling through these areas. They also advise all drivers to drive cautiously as lane closures will result in increased traffic congestion and slower travel speeds than usual. The project is expected to bring numerous benefits to residents, including improved safety standards and shorter travel times due to better traffic flow.

To keep up with road closures and other construction projects, visit the Washtenaw County Road Commission’s website or MDOT’s website.