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US-23 Improvement Study - Ann Arbor

US-23 Improvement Study - Ann Arbor

About the study

MDOT has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) and preferred alternative for the proposed rebuilding of a 5.2-mile section of US-23 from I-94 to Earhart Road in the City of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, and Washtenaw County. This corridor carries approximately 80,000 vehicles on a typical weekday.

The US-23 EA preferred alternative has been named the Safely Connecting Communities Alternative and includes: 

  • Rebuild two lanes in each direction from I-94 to Geddes Road.
  • Provides US-23 freeway improvements from I-94 to south side of Geddes Road, including an auxiliary lane between I-94 and Washtenaw Avenue.
  • Accommodates future transit plans (I-94 to Washtenaw Avenue).
  • Improves the westbound I-94 ramp to northbound US-23.
  • Rebuild bridges to accommodate multimodal improvements.
  • Redesigns US-23/M-17 (Washtenaw Avenue) interchange.
  • Addresses geometric deficiencies and safety issues. 

Throughout the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, MDOT evaluated environmental, traffic and community impacts while working closely with the City of Ann Arbor, The Ride, community stakeholders, and the public.

Environmental Assessment

For additional information including, such as Local Advisory Group presentations or public hearing materials, contact Emily Barajas at BarajasE2@Michigan.gov.

Resources

  • US-23 Study interactive story

    Learn more about the study.

Purpose and need

A Purpose and Need statement will be prepared that establishes the project’s overall goals. This document will be developed based on input from the communities, users of US-23, and property owners and residents, as part of a public involvement plan. The Purpose and Need will form the foundation to develop and evaluate alternatives. The EA will be performed per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to assess impacts to the environment resulting from any of the proposed alternatives, which also includes a no-action alternative.

An aesthetic guide will also be developed with community input to address the aesthetic and landscape elements that complement and integrate with the area’s physical contexts along the corridor. The aesthetic guide will provide a vision and a series of recommendations to be implemented during the design and construction of the project.

Engagement opportunities

The project will be shaped by public and stakeholder input, with community values guiding the Purpose and Need, alternatives development, evaluation and selection of a preferred alternative through design.

Multiple opportunities for engagement, including workshops and online surveys, will be offered throughout the process.

Submit questions or comments on the proposed US-23 project.

Stay connected

Media questions? Contact Aaron Jenkins, Media Representative, at 517-243-9075.

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  • Study questions?

    Jason Pittman, 517-403-1858 Jackson TSC