Ann Arbor is considering lane changes along Broadway and Plymouth Road while a separate Division Street bikeway extension moves toward construction in 2027.

A Nov. 9 open house at Larcom City Hall focused on the Broadway-Plymouth Safety Improvements Project, which includes Broadway Bridge. Its posted timeline lists construction in 2028.

The Michigan Daily reported that attendee Nancy Taylor raised concerns about congestion and driver awareness of cyclists. Another attendee, Lisa Jevens, questioned the project’s expenses and potential pollution from construction and traffic.

Two projects, two timelines

The Division Street extension would continue the two-way bikeway from Catherine Street to the south end of Broadway Bridge.

Ann Arbor City Council approved Oct. 19 a resolution converting Carey Street from a two-way street to one-way northbound. The second lane will become street parking. The city says removing the uphill turn from Carey onto Division is necessary to avoid adding conflicts between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The broader Broadway-Plymouth Safety Improvement Project was separated from the Division project in September for additional analysis, according to a city announcement.

The city identified three considerations: a center left-turn lane on Broadway Bridge serving Broadway Park West; federally funded improvements at the Plymouth Road intersection with Maiden Lane and Moore Street; and the Fire Department’s determination that the proposed bikeway cannot serve as a fire lane.

The city says its analysis indicates a three-lane configuration can accommodate traffic during most of the day, with some inconvenience during three hours.

The city said the additional analysis is not a decision to abandon planned Broadway Bridge improvements.

What it costs

The Division Bikeway Extension’s estimated costs break down across three funding sources, according to the city’s engagement page:

  • $500,000 from the City Water Utility Fund to replace and enlarge an 1880s water main.
  • $680,000 from the City Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage for resurfacing between Detroit and Catherine streets.
  • $2.05 million from Downtown Development Authority tax increment financing for the bikeway and related sidewalk, crossing and transit stop improvements.

The city notes these are estimates based on earlier planning, with final costs to be updated once contractor bids come in.

Construction on Division Street is planned for 2027. The Division project page says no closures for that project are planned before construction.

Residents can review project details and submit feedback through the city’s Broadway-Plymouth project page.