With the release of the Corridor Improvement Study, ReImagine Washtenaw takes a big step forward in its mission to transform Washtenaw Avenue from a sprawling, dangerous and unpleasant corridor, to one that serves everyone better with safer crossings, faster transit, and keeps cars moving. In addition, vibrant nodes of activity will be created. The plan is to change the roadway to a more pedestrian-friendly, bikeable thoroughfare, using a “Complete Streets” approach. “Complete Streets” policies are now being adopted all around the country by communities waking up to the numerous benefits of making sure transportation corridors adequately serve all users.
The Corridor Improvement Study is the first comprehensive look at the entire five-mile stretch of Washtenaw Avenue, connecting the Cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and going through Pittsfield and Ypsilanti Townships. The study was funded by the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It provides a clear vision for how the ReImagine Washtenaw coalition can create a “Complete Street” in the future, adding bike lanes, a complete sidewalk network, and narrow or wide boulevards.
“All four communities that make up ReImagine Washtenaw now have a unified vision and detailed plan for creating a more friendly, inviting, and multi-modal corridor. Pittsfield Township will continue, as we have since 2009, to implement the plan, which includes filling in significant gaps in the sidewalk along Washtenaw in 2015, using Community Development Block Grant funds,” said Pittsfield Charter Township Supervisor, Mandy Grewal. “Our communities appreciate the participation and support from the Michigan Department of Transportation in developing this study, and supporting the concepts of a safer, more accessible corridor that better reflects the Complete Streets concept.”
“The Washtenaw corridor is our busiest transit route, and TheRide was able to identify future Super Stop locations along the route that will provide enhanced amenities for riders,” said Chris White, Service Department Manager for the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority. “With this plan, everyone is working together to make this a more walkable and accessible corridor, which will make our service even more convenient in the future.”
Nathan Voght, ReImagine Washtenaw Project Manager, with the Washtenaw County Department of Community and Economic Development will be working closely with each local unit of government stakeholder to review the plan provisions and determine how to effectively ensure their consistent implementation in the future.
For more information contact Nathan Voght, in the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, at voghtn@ewashtenaw.org or 734-222-3860, or visit www.washtenawavenue.org.