Share Your Experiences to Help Shape the Future of North Main Street in Ann Arbor

- Feb 20, 2026

The City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority are focusing on the future of North Main Street, from Huron Street to Huron River Drive. All community members — residents, commuters, business owners, and visitors — are invited to take part in an upcoming open house and discovery week to learn about the project, share experiences and provide input on opportunities for improvement.

North Main Street is an important and busy gateway into downtown Ann Arbor. The city has already heard from community members about safety and comfort concerns along the corridor.

“Narrow sidewalks and fast traveling cars along Main St. make this an unpleasant walking experience.”

“Drivers ignore the light, make illegal turns, and don’t always check the crosswalk for pedestrians.”

“I’ve had more than one close call in this crosswalk.”

These firsthand experiences are integral to the North Main Street Transportation Study. Existing feedback and the additional input that will be gathered during these outreach efforts will aid the city and the Downtown Development Authority in exploring design concepts that could improve safety, mobility options, and the overall corridor experience.

The study will consider Ann Arbor’s broader goals, including safer streets, sustainability, and better connections for all modes of travel. Because North Main Street is owned and operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation, any long-term changes will require coordination and partnership beyond the city alone — making community input especially important as planning moves forward.

Survey

To help inform this study, all are invited to share firsthand experiences with the corridor by taking a survey, available Monday, Feb. 23, to Friday, March 20, and/or participating in upcoming program events. 

Community Discovery Week: March 9–13

The public is encouraged to participate in a series of events during Discovery Week, to learn about the project, share concerns, and help identify opportunities for improvement. All events will be held at the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority Offices, located at Kerrytown Market and Shops, 415 N. Fifth Ave., second floor.

Event schedule:

  • ·       Tuesday, March 10: Community Open House — 5:30–7:30 p.m.
  • ·       Wednesday, March 11: Open Studio Drop-in Hours — 2–5 p.m.
  • ·       Thursday, March 12: Open Studio Drop-in Hours — 1–3:30 p.m.

Open House: Learn, Share, and Help Shape the Vision

The open house is designed for anyone who wants to understand the project and contribute their experiences or ideas for North Main Street. Attendees can:

  • ·       Ask questions of the project team
  • ·       Review early materials and corridor conditions
  • ·       Share what works well — and what needs improvement
  • ·       Help shape the priorities moving into concept development

Open Studio Drop-in Sessions

Throughout the week, informal open studio hours will provide additional opportunities for community members to stop by, speak directly with the planning team, and offer input at a convenient time.

Details can be found on the project page at https://engage.a2gov.org/n-maintransport-study. 

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Media Contact: 

Robert Kellar, Communications Specialist, 734.794.6000 ext. 41524 | rkellar@a2gov.org

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