April 12, 2024 update: Drivers are noticing that traffic is moving slower while entering and exiting East Medical Center Bridge. The changes in signal timing are deliberate, to reduce traffic flow through the area, which will serve two purposes: 1) improve the safety of pedestrians, drivers and workers in the area 2) existing and upcoming lane closures in the area.
Delays are to be expected. City staff have and continue to work with the University of Michigan hospital and emergency service providers to ensure their services aren't impacted. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and make changes as needed.
Project Limits
Timeline
Construction
Summer 2024 and Spring 2025.
*Map legend
Section A
Fuller Road
- Construction of additional westbound Fuller left-turn lane across from Fuller Park Pool.
- Intermittent westbound lane closures during construction; one westbound lane maintained at all times
- Diagonal sidewalk connecting Fuller Road and EMCD east sidewalks is closed
East/West Medical Center Drive (EMCD/WMCD)
- EMCD west sidewalk closed; pedestrian detour on east sidewalk
- 1 south/eastbound EMCD lane at Fuller onto MCC (existing condition)
- 1 south/eastbound EMCD dedicated through lane at WMCD
- 1 south/eastbound EMCD dedicated right-turn lane at WMCD
- 3 north/westbound lanes off MCC: left-turn onto westbound Fuller, through onto Maiden Lane and right-turn onto eastbound Fuller (existing condition)
Section B
West/East Medical Center Drive (WMCD/EMCD)
- New temporary traffic signal at EMCD intersection
- 1 westbound WMCD lane (existing condition)
- Sidewalk closed at EMCD corner
- Eastbound EMCD lane closed
- Eastbound WMCD shared left- and right-turn lane onto west and eastbound EMCD respectively
- Crosswalk at EMCD/WMCD intersection shifts west
Tentative Schedule
Stage 1: March 25, 2024 to Early May
Stage 2: Early May to Mid September
Stage 3: Mid September to December
Stage 4: December
Stage 5: Spring 2025
Why is this project being done?
The East Medical Center Drive Bridge over the Amtrak Michigan line was constructed in 1982 and is now being inspected every twelve months due to its deteriorating condition. It was the City's intent to rehabilitate the Bridge in order to return it to a State of Good Repair and prolong its life span.
The University of Michigan was also interested in partnership for this project and to widen the bridge in order to improve traffic flow into and out of the Medical Center.
Possible Impacts
Temporary lane closure and sidewalk closures; detours will be posted on the
City of Ann Arbor's road and lane closures page and
University of Michigan Construction Alerts Notices page.
One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on East Medical Center Drive Bridge at all times; however, lanes may shift as the construction of the bridge will be done part width – west side first, then east side.
Construction will unavoidably generate dust and noise and many other inconveniences. In addition, you may see construction equipment, signs relocated, utility flags, surveyor stakes, and protection fences located along the roadway which are important to construction and should not be disturbed.
The project team will make every effort to communicate traffic control changes and detours to the general public, residents, hospital staff and patients.
Cost & Funding Source
Total Costs: $14 million
Funding sources include:
- City of Ann Arbor Street, Bridge and Sidewalk Millage Fund
- The University of Michigan
