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MDOT is undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) study on US-23 in Washtenaw County between M-14 and I-94. These questions are a combination of questions raised at the group and public meetings, public survey responses, and other outreach to MDOT.
Learn more about the US-23 Improvement Project Study, Ann Arbor.
The original project limits were US-23 from the I-94/US-23 interchange area north to the east M-14/US-23 interchange area in the city of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township and Ann Arbor Township in Washtenaw County. On the south end of the project, the original project study limits extended east along I-94 approximately 1.5 miles to the west edge of the I-94/US-12 interchange.
The northern project limit has been revised to the Earhart Road bridge crossing over US-23. The southern project study limit along I-94 has been revised to approximately 1 mile east of US-23.
The purpose of the US-23 Improvement Study is to improve safety for all users, improve multimodal mobility along and across the US-23 corridor, and maintain consistency with local, regional and statewide plans. Needs include addressing aging infrastructure, poor roadway and bridge conditions, high crash rates associated with antiquated and substandard geometrics, and physical constraints to multimodal connections at crossroads over or under the US-23 corridor.
An EA is a concise public document that serves to identify and assess the potential environmental effects of a project (including both beneficial and adverse impacts on social, environmental and economic factors). The primary goal is to provide decision-makers sufficient evidence and analysis regarding the significance of the impacts of the proposed action before approving or implementing a project. The process promotes transparency and public participation, allowing stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to the decision-making process.
The US-23 Improvement Study EA will be available for public commenting prior to its conclusion in fall 2026.
The Build Alternatives changed in May 2024 to address feedback from the communities, agencies, stakeholders and the public. The Build Alternatives now are the No Build (Do Nothing) and the Safely Connecting Communities Alternative, which includes rebuilding the existing two lanes in each direction, addressing geometric deficiencies and safety along US-23, improving to accommodate future transit plans, accommodating nonmotorized connectivity across US-23 in the study area, and rebuilding the US-23/Washtenaw Avenue interchange.
Key elements of the studied (Preferred) Safely Connecting Communities Alternative include:
The (Preferred) Safely Connecting Communities Alternative being analyzed in the EA includes the following anticipated safety benefits:
A safety study analyzing the most recent five years of available crash data within the study area, including the interchanges, has been conducted. Mitigation measures recommended by the safety study will be implemented with the project to address historical crash trends. In addition, predictive analysis methodologies have been employed to assess the effectiveness of each proposed alternative in addressing those historical crash trends.
In response to previous median crossover crashes along this corridor, MDOT completed a project to install a high-tension cable median barrier along US-23 from south of I-94 to Geddes Road in 2024. Going forward, each of the proposed alternatives will evaluate the safety needs as part of the study to prevent crossover crashes by recommending concrete barrier, guardrail or cable barrier where there is a history of crossover crashes.
MDOT has coordinated with local agencies to develop a common understanding of the needs and priorities for nonmotorized access and connectivity crossing US-23. While not all the bridges are currently planned for replacement or receiving major repairs, MDOT is seeking to leverage project funding to the greatest extent possible to attain nonmotorized goals wherever feasible.
An operational and safety analysis was performed at these closely spaced intersections. This analysis has also being coordinated with the M-17 (Washtenaw Avenue) planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study, which includes coordinating with the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township and Pittsfield Township, plus collaboration with TheRide, for a long-term vision of this area. Multiple alternatives have been investigated as part of both studies with the goal of improving operations and safety and to accommodate the local plans and initiatives. Coordinated efforts will continue throughout project development and design.
A traffic noise study along the entire project limits has been completed as part of the environmental clearance process. Traffic noise was analyzed for each study alternative to determine if predicted noise levels would meet federal thresholds to be considered an impact. Noise abatement was considered for impacted properties. Noise abatement can take several forms but noise barriers (walls) tend to be the most practical and cost effective.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will only fund noise walls that meet certain criteria:
The noise analysis and voting process was completed in December 2025; 47 common noise environments (CNEs) were studied with 24 found to have impacts. In addition, 16 noise barriers were studied, with six noise barriers found to meet criteria and subsequently were recommended to be included in the project. In summer 2025, benefiting residents and property owners voted on and approved the six recommended walls.
Expected impacts for the (Preferred) Safely Connecting Communities Alternative include temporary construction-related changes (noise, dust, access), vegetation clearing (27 acres), wetland impacts (1.7 acres) and stream/floodplain work. Extensive mitigation is planned, including wetland banking credits, stormwater basins, wildlife protections, mussel relocation, native landscaping and erosion control. The project reduces long-term emissions due to less congestion.
The project team is coordinating closely with the FHWA as new federal climate and sustainability guidance continues to develop. The study is also being carried out in partnership with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS), the City of Ann Arbor, and other local and regional agencies to ensure that community climate and mobility goals are considered throughout the process. As part of the EA, the project will review how proposed improvements relate to the City of Ann Arbor’s A2Zero Climate Action Plan, Washtenaw County’s Resilient Washtenaw strategy, and the State of Michigan’s MI Healthy Climate Plan. This coordination helps ensure the project supports long term regional climate objectives while addressing safety, mobility and infrastructure needs.
Based on current data, 40-50 percent of the current traffic on US-23 is through-traffic (regional/commercial) not having an origin or destination in Ann Arbor. These estimates are based on data from Replica, which uses existing crowd-sourced data that is consistently updated using various data sources.
MDOT is coordinating with TheRide for a long-term vision of the US-23 corridor as well as the Washtenaw Avenue corridor. As part of the study process, MDOT will analyze planned 20-year improvements from all agencies in the study area and evaluate them with all the study alternatives.
The US-23 roadway pavement will be rebuilt to improve the condition of the road and likely reduce noise caused by poor pavement conditions. While some of the bridges in the corridor are not currently planned to be rebuilt, they will be repaired and improved.
As part of the study, an aesthetic guide has been developed with the community. The aesthetic improvements from the guide will be implemented when the corridor is rebuilt.
The project is anticipated to be under construction from 2027 to 2030.
The EA is scheduled to be completed in late 2026. The design for the Preferred Alternative is scheduled to be completed in 2027, with proposed construction in 2027-2030.
During future construction activities along US 23, travelers and nearby communities can expect a range of temporary impacts. While specific details will depend on the final design and construction schedule, typical impacts may include lane closures or shifts that reduce lanes or adjust traffic patterns to safely accommodate work zones; slower travel times due to potential congestion, especially during peak hours; short term detours for ramps, crossroads or local roads, with advance communication provided; temporary increases in noise, dust or vibration from construction equipment; temporary driveway or intersection access changes that will be maintained to the greatest extent possible; and impacts on pedestrian and bicycle travel, including occasional sidewalk or pathway closures with safe alternative routes provided when needed.
Emergency Services
Maintaining emergency response access is a top priority. MDOT will coordinate closely with local police, fire, EMS and regional dispatch centers throughout construction. This includes 1) ensuring emergency vehicles can reach all properties at all times, 2) providing advance notice of planned closures or traffic shifts and 3) adjusting traffic control measures rapidly if emergency access needs change.
The estimated total project cost is $393.5 million. This estimate includes NEPA review, design engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
The project website is available for information, questions, comments with an interactive mapping tool, and feedback at Michigan.gov/US23AnnArbor. Additional public engagement will occur throughout design and construction.
We look forward to you staying engaged.
