Transportation planning takes place at all levels of government. This page lists Ann Arbor's local planning efforts. Information on regional, state and federal planning efforts can be found on the Regional and State Transportation Planning page.
Plans in Progress
Ann Arbor Connector Feasibility Study
The 2009 Ann Arbor Transportation Plan Update identified two key transportation concepts to support future growth. A "connector" would link proposed commuter rail stations planned between Detroit and Ann Arbor and Howell and Ann Arbor. A set of "signature transit corridors" would provide high quality high frequency transit service to enable higher density housing and empoyment concentrations. In 2009, the City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, and University of Michigan initiated the Connector Feasibility Study. The Study links the "connector" and "signature" concepts and evaluates the feasibility of advanced transit options for Ann Arbor. A series of public meetings and newsletters has kept the public apprised of the Study's goals and methods, findings on travel patterns in Ann Arbor, and the comparative benefits of various transit options.
In November, 2010, the Study presented its findings in a public meeting. The Study identified areas where alternative transit would benefit the community, and it highlighted transit options for high-density and medium-density areas of town. The Study awaits presentation to City Council and a directive to proceed with a detailed analysis of the identified transit alternatives.
Planning Projects
Fuller Road Station
Fuller Road Station is a proposed Intermodal Transportation Center located along Fuller Road east of its intersection with Maiden Lane. The City Council-approved Fuller Road Station Master Concept Plan includes several components: a train station; rail platforms; associated drop-off and short-term parking areas; areas defined for taxi operation and corporate shuttle vehicles; a major bus transit center including eight or nine bus bays to accommodate AATA, University of Michigan (UM) and over-the-road transit vehicles; a full service bicycle station including opportunities for bike storage and shower and changing facilities for bicyclists; a pedestrian skywalk linking to the UM medical center; consideration for a link to proposed future transit service identified as “Signature Service” in the Plan; improved shared-use pathways creating links to Fuller Park Pool, the Border to Border (B2B) system and the path system along Fuller Road; and parking for up to 1,600 vehicles.
Phase I:
The phase one project includes a bicycle storage area; a covered bus transit waiting area; covered bus platforms for up to five Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), UM and over-the-road carrier buses; enhanced non-motorized paths; adjustments to Fuller Road crossovers to access the facility; and parking both in the Intermodal Facility and a small surface lot that will be the location of the future train station.
Phase II:
The phase two project includes a train station, rail platforms, and a rail drop-off loop. A federal grant has provided the funding for National Environmental Policy Act and preliminary engineering processes in association with FRS Phase II.
Future Phases:
Future phases could include a conversion of the bike storage area to a bike station, construction of a skywalk linkage to the south platform and University of Michigan Medical Center, and expansion of parking as needed to accommodate future rail demand.
Plans Completed
2009 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update
The City of Ann Arbor completed a
Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update in 2009, laying the framework for improvements to the transportation system for the coming years. The City is experiencing tremendous employment growth and change which alters the way transportation must serve the community.
The 2009 update considers the effects of changes in growth patterns and development and recommends actions to meet transportation needs and the goals of the community well into the future. The plan builds upon previous findings and recommendations for the transportation system, and incorporates other current efforts, such as the Citywide Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, into a comprehensive framework for addressing current and future transportation issues.
Non-Motorized Plan
The City of Ann Arbor Non-motorized Plan 2007 supports the assumption that strong pedestrian and bicycle facilities create a community that is physically active, accessible, and exceedingly livable. As of Summer, 2011, the city’s non-motorized transportation system includes 475 miles of sidewalks, 36.2 miles of on-road bike lanes, and 55 miles of shared-use paths. Several different city units, including Systems Planning, Project Management, Planning and Development, Field Operations, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Community Standards, and Police and Public Safety, have taken great strides to improve the programs and projects that support and expand that system.
The Non-motorized Transportation Plan identifies the critical need to expand the city’s infrastructure to provide a transportation network of 56 miles of on-road bicycle lanes, 25 new miles of sidewalks, and 129 mid-block crossings. These improvements are intended to establish a physical and cultural environment that supports and encourages safe, comfortable, and convenient ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel throughout the city and into the surrounding communities.
2007 Comprehensive Downtown Parking Study
In March 2006, City Council adopted an Implementation Plan for the
Ann Arbor Discovering Downtown initiative. One of the high priority projects identified in this plan is the development of a comprehensive parking strategy for the downtown. A work plan was developed to collect information and establish policies.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) hired Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates in March 2006 to complete Phase I of the parking strategy work plan for the Downtown Parking Study. From July through December 2006, the consultant collected data on the supply and demand of downtown parking, in addition to demographics and perceptions of users of the parking system. A public workshop was held in early December 2006.
The consultant’s final report for Phase I was released in February 2007.The second phase of the study created revised parking policies for downtown. The consultant’s final report for Phase II was released in June 2007. View both of these reports on the Data & Reports section of the DDA's website.
Plans in Place
The City's Planning Division provides information on additional Ann Arbor city plans including the 2011 Parks & Recreation Open Space Plan and the 2009 Master Plan Land Use Element.
Updated July 6, 2011
This page is maintained by the Systems Planning Unit and is updated regularly. If you experience any technical difficulties or have suggestions regarding this site, contact the webmaster.