June 3-5: North Side of Bandemer Park to Temporarily Close for Tunnel Construction Project
Construction on the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel in Ann Arbor is progressing, with critical work planned for Tuesday, June 3–Thursday morning, June 5, that the public should be aware of. This critical construction window requires a temporary closure of the northern part of Bandemer Park to help ensure public safety and to limit disruptions to construction operations.
Beginning Tuesday, June 3 (weather permitting), access into Bandemer Park from Barton Drive will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. This closure is expected to last until the morning of Thursday, June 5. During this time, there will be no through access for the Border to Border (B2B) Trail in Bandemer Park. Because this is an active construction site, community members are asked to comply with the posted signage, barriers and other noted access restrictions. A map is available to clarify where the temporary access restrictions are located (PDF).
While many will find the placement of the tunnel structure to be an exciting milestone, the city notes there is still much additional work needed before it will be operational.
The city is partnering with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the county’s non-profit partner, Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI), on this project. Once complete, the pedestrian tunnel will connect the new segment of the B2B Trail in Barton Nature Area with the existing B2B Trail network in Bandemer Park and more than 20 miles to the east. In addition to a new pedestrian tunnel, this project also includes pathway connections and a public art installation on the new tunnel's interior.
The pedestrian tunnel is anticipated to open to the public when the project is complete in fall 2025. The city appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation while work takes place to complete this important project as quickly as possible. To learn more about this project, visit https://engage.a2gov.org/barton-bandemer-pedestrian-tunnel.
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Media Contact:
Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect, Capital Project Manager, 734.794.6230 ext. 42548 | hhanzel@a2gov.org