Background and purpose

The purpose of the Lower Town Study is to understand how the effects of growth impact the movement of people through the area and seek ways, in the face of increasing congestion, to support the ease and safety of all travelers, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and those in personal and commercial vehicles. Community​ input and an analysis of operations, safety, and anticipated growth will shape the recommendations of the study.

In December 2017, City Council passed a resolution requesting City Staff to identify the resources needed to review and update previous studies of vehicular, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian movement leading to and traveling through the Lower Town area, which launched the advancement of this study. In 2019, Council passed a resolution to contract with OHM Advisors to complete the study. 

Project area

The Lower Town area is on the north side of Ann Arbor, as shown on the map. This includes the meeting point of Pontiac Trail, Broadway Street, Plymouth Road, Moore Street, Wall Street, and Maiden Lane, a spot where many travelers converge.

Timeline and process

The study began in October 2019 and is anticipated to take 24 months.