Infrastructure Renovation: Washtenaw County Plans Major Road Improvements

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Construction workers repairing roads in Washtenaw County.

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News Summary

The Washtenaw County Road Commission has rolled out a preliminary budget of $75.8 million for 2025, focusing on vital road and bridge renovations. The budget allocates over $49 million specifically for improvements, with significant projects planned outside city limits including road reconstructions, paving of gravel roads, installation of new traffic signals for safety, and a comprehensive culvert replacement initiative. Residents can look forward to a smoother and safer driving experience, as these upgrades are set to enhance local infrastructure significantly.

Exciting Road Improvements Ahead: Washtenaw County Road Commission Unveils Preliminary Budget for 2025

Hold onto your hard hats, residents of Washtenaw County! The Washtenaw County Road Commission has announced a whopping $75.8 million preliminary budget for 2025 aimed at sprucing up our roads and bridges, making your daily drive a little smoother and safer. With more than $49 million earmarked specifically for road and bridge improvements, there’s a lot to look forward to in the year ahead!

What’s on the Agenda?

First off, it’s important to note that this budget will focus on all public roads outside the city limits. This means the roads you rely on daily—excluding highways and state trunklines—are about to get some much-needed TLC! So, what major projects are on the horizon?

One of the biggest projects on the list is the reconstruction of a key road segment near Chelsea. This work will mean some closures and detours, but trust us, it’ll be worth it!
A gravel road section near Ypsilanti is set to be paved, providing a smoother ride for local drivers.
Safety is a priority, so a new traffic signal will be installed near Dexter High School, enhancing safety for students and drivers alike.

Traffic Impacts to Expect

As with any major construction, there will be some disruptions. Road reconstruction projects are known to cause significant traffic impacts due to necessary closures. However, other projects such as chip sealing, milling, and filling will be less intrusive, so stay tuned for updates on when work will begin.

Welcome to “The Year of the Culvert”

Mark your calendars because 2025 is being dubbed “the year of the culvert.” Yes, you heard that right! Up to eighteen culvert replacement projects are in the works, which means shorter road closures and more efficient replacements. It’s all about keeping our drainage systems in check to avoid pesky water buildup!

Looking Ahead to Roundabouts

Don’t put those hard hats away just yet! As we look forward to 2026, you might hear it being called “the year of the roundabout.” Design work and right-of-way planning for various roundabout projects will kick off in 2025. Locations include busy intersections in Scio Township, Ypsilanti Township, Salem Township, and Pittsfield Township.

Collaboration is Key

In addition to all these projects, the Road Commission will also contribute $2 million to collaborate on roadwork with local townships. Agreements are expected to be finalized by early summer, making for a team effort to keep our roads in top shape.

Stay Informed!

The Road Commission is committed to keeping you in the loop about all the exciting changes. An interactive map highlighting upcoming projects will be available by early January 2025, along with a weekly schedule of roadwork. You can even sign up for email alerts on specific projects so you’re always in the know!

Notable Projects to Watch

Some standout projects to watch include:

Werkner Road in Sylvan Township will see significant work, with a budget of around $392,000. The resurfacing is expected to extend the road’s lifespan by approximately 15 years!
Paving a section of road in Ypsilanti and Augusta Township is budgeted at about $2.9 million—definitely a project worth anticipating.
Improvements on Bemis Road will introduce a new limestone overlay and necessary culvert replacements.
Safety improvements will also be made with the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Parker and Shield roads, estimated at $365,000, which is partially funded by federal carbon reduction programs.
Paving is planned for Parker Road between Jackson and Dexter-Chelsea roads with an estimated cost of $781,000.

Conclusion

With an array of projects slated for 2025, the Washtenaw County Road Commission is clearly working hard to keep our roads safe and functional. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready for a better driving experience ahead!