Downtown Area Circulation Study

Downtown Area Circulation Study

What is It & Why?

There is significant demand for limited street space; downtown streets serve as public gathering and business space while providing critical access to downtown jobs and amenities. By looking at all of these needs and uses together, we intend to serve all and ensure that every person feels welcome and has access to downtown. 

The Downtown Circulation Study is a collaboration between the Ann Arbor DDA and the City of Ann Arbor. The study, along with community engagement, will inform priorities for future capital improvements to the downtown and near downtown streets.  

 The study is guided by the DDA’s values and the values and goals established in the City’s Moving Together Transportation Plan. Collectively, these values emphasize the following key priorities: 

• Safety for all people, regardless of their age, ability, or transportation choices 
• Improve access to the downtown for all people 
• Support the affordability, livability, and economic vibrancy of the downtown 
• Advance carbon neutrality goals and improve resilience and sustainability 

Primary Tasks

1. Active Transportation System Plan & Project Design – How do we build upon the adopted Moving Together Transportation Plan to expand the All Ages and Abilities bicycle network in the downtown and to adjacent neighborhoods and recreation?
2. Transit Plan Alignment & Transit Priority Streets – What are the opportunities for improving transit operations and connections into and through the downtown, including consideration of transit priority streets?
3. Fifth & Division Two-Way Restoration Feasibility – What is the feasibility, safety implications, and benefits of restoring Fifth Ave and Division Street into two-way streets?  
4. Event Streets Feasibility – What is the range of special/event street designations for pedestrian-oriented streets downtown?  Which treatment(s) best meets both the community vision for downtown activities and capacity for programming and management support?  

Project Timeline

• 1st round of public engagement Workshops – March 2024 
• 2nd round of public engagement Workshops – Fall 2024 
• Final recommendations – Winter/Spring 2025  

Materials

• Ann Arbor Downtown Area Circulation Study – August 2025
• Downtown Planning Workshop Summary – March 2024
• Project Scope 
• Presentation to DDA Board and Transportation Commission  
• Ann Arbor Moving Together Toward Vision Zero Plan 
• A2 Zero Plan 
• TheRides 2045 Long Range Plan 

Contact

The Ann Arbor DDA and City Transportation Department are co-leading this effort with involvement from TheRide and other City Departments.  Questions about this project should be directed to Amber Miller at the Ann Arbor DDA: amiller@a2dda.org and Trevor Brydon: tbrydon@a2gov.org.