The goal of this project is to improve circulation and safety for non-motorized and motorized users at the Huron Parkway – Nixon Road intersection. In addition, improvements of Nixon Road (Huron Parkway to Plymouth Road) and Huron Parkway (Nixon Road to Plymouth Road) will be evaluated and repairs will be recommended.
Background:
Nixon Road and Huron Parkway are parts of an important corridor connecting residential neighborhoods to the north with commercial and retail destinations to the south. The intersection of Nixon Road and Huron Parkway handles 10,000 vehicles each day. This number is expected to increase to approximately 15,000 vehicles by 2028. It also handles approximately 60 pedestrians during the peak hour, which is also expected to grow in time. Over the years the City has received many complaints concerning poor operation and overall safety of the Nixon Road-Huron Parkway intersection. As a result, a study was commissioned to DLZ consulting company in 2005 to analyze the intersection. This study recommended the construction of a modern roundabout at the intersection. Moreover, there is no on-street parking in the area, there is a lack of adequate bus or bicycle facilities, there is no storm water drainage system, and at Nixon Road the road pavement condition is poor.
In 2007 the City Council approved a design contract with Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment, Inc. The project included the design of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Nixon Road and Huron Parkway, reconstruction of the Nixon Road and Huron Parkway, addition of storm sewer at Nixon Road, on-street parking, bike lanes, bus stop facilities, installation of new landscaping, and streetlights.
Council Resolution (pdf)
Proposed Modifications:
The project will consist of completing the design and preparing the necessary contract documents for submittal to MDOT for bid letting for the construction of a modern roundabout at Huron Parkway and Nixon Road as well as a pavement analysis and improvements for Nixon Road (Huron Parkway to Plymouth Road) and Huron Parkway (Nixon Road to Plymouth Road).
The final design was sensitive to the overall needs of the traveling public, including public bus transportation, bicyclists, pedestrians, visually or hearing impaired users, commercial vehicles, and commuting motorists. The aesthetics of the intersection will be preserved as much as possible, as this is an urban intersection with a suburban feeling.
Below is a preliminary layout of the proposed improvements as of March 2008:
Preliminary Layout (pdf)
Construction:
Construction is scheduled for April 2009 through August 2009. Please see active project page for detailed construction schedule.
Expected Results:
In completing the design, the following goals were carefully evaluated and incorporated into the project:
1. Improved pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety in the project area. This will include accommodating the long-term goals of the City’s Non-Motorized Plan.
2. Created a pedestrian-friendly environment, which includes the installation of pedestrian refuge islands on each leg of the intersection.
3. Improved the aesthetics in the project area, which will include consideration for adding landscaping treatments, pedestrian scale light poles, benches and other streetscape improvements at each corner of the intersection.
4. Completed the design and provided contract documents for the rehabilitation of Nixon Road, between Plymouth Road and Huron Parkway.
5. Provided improved accessibility in accordance with the City’s requirements and applicable ADA requirements
6. Provided options for improving the management of storm water runoff in accordance with the City’s requirements.
7. Investigated the need for additional property interests (grading permits and permanent easements), and produce the necessary documents to assist the City in their acquisition, if necessary.
8. Coordinated with MDOT Local Agency Programs to maintain the schedule desired by the City.
9. Applied for a CMAQ grant.
Community Input:
Being that the Nixon Road and Huron Parkway have a variety of users, an in-depth public engagement process began with a meeting on February 21, 2007. Two additional public workshops were held on March 22, 2007 and June 6, 2007, to explain the purpose of the project, the benefits that the new design would provide, and to obtain additional public input. As part of the public engagement process, input was obtained from local residents and business owners, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition (WBWC), the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues and the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living. The information obtained from those meetings proved invaluable in the completion of the design.
Below are compilations of the public workshops minutes and public comments received from both events.
The Public Open House (pdf) March 5, 2008.
At this open house information was provided concerning the finalized project design, construction schedule, and questions were answered.
Public Meeting Minutes (pdf)
Roundabout Videos (opens in new window)
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
Next Steps:
The project was bid through the Michigan Department of Transportation as a Local Agency Programs Project and is funded with federal and local dollars. Construction is scheduled for the 2009 construction season.
Questions or Concerns:
Igor Kotlyar, P.E., Senior Project Engineer
Phone: 734-794-6410, x43634
E-mail: ikotlyar@a2gov.org
Last Updated: March 4, 2009