September 2020

Welcome to the September 2020 edition of WATS Up, the monthly newsletter for Washtenaw Area Transportation Study!

WATS Agency Updates

  • Public comments are being accepted for the proposed changes to the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) until Wednesday, October 21, 2020. A list of project amendments and modifications can be found at miwats.org/tip/.

  • WATS joins SEMCOG in inviting the public to formally comment on the transportation planning processes in Washtenaw County. This opportunity is part of a Federal certification process to assess for compliance with transportation planning regulations. Two virtual public involvement sessions will be held on September 17 (11am-Noon and 5-6pm). In addition, written comments will be accepted until September 25, 2020. Read More

  • The Chelsea POP project is well underway! Shared lane markings, painted crosswalks, curb extensions, wayfinding signs, and additional safety markings at the B2B trail on N Freer Road have all been added. Designated bike lanes will be applied soon. See progress photos and learn more at miwats.org/chelseapop.

Are you interested in demonstrating short-term street improvements in your community? Contact Suzann Flowers at flowerss@miwats.org or Ryan Buck at buckr@miwats.org if you would like to partner with WATS.

  • The recently completed Washtenaw County Freeway Crossing Non-motorized Retrofit Report features vetted short-term, intermediate and long-term recommendations for incorporating non-motorized access on Washtenaw County’s freeway crossings. You can find the report, with appendices including Bridge Characteristics and Conceptual Plan Recommendations, at miwats.squarespace.com/freeway-retrofit.

Up On The Blog

Thu, Sep 10

Safety in Transportation

By: Nick Sapkiewicz

Safety in the transportation system is an ever present goal planners and engineers work toward in every project.

Read More

What We’re Reading

Thank you to the Manchester Mirror for featuring the WATS Non-Motorized Count Program in Counting Along the Trail. Read More

Report: 2020 Roadway Deaths are Way Higher Than Normal. Read More

Michigan Wants to Build the Road of the Future. The state recently announced a plan to develop a next-generation transportation corridor between Detroit and Ann Arbor. Read More

FHWA Gives States $4.8 Billion in Extra FY20 Highway Funding. Read More

Partner Agency Updates

TheRide has temporarily changed their service route to prioritize essential destinations. A presentation from Bryan Smith, Deputy CEO for TheRide, and a summary of the revised routes is available at

SEMCOG has announced their fiscal year 2021 Planning Assistance Program for Transportation Equity, with approximately $300,000 available for projects that improve equitable transportation. Read More

SEMCOG has issued a call for projects for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Read More

SEMCOG invites public comment on an amendment to the fiscal year 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program and the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. Read More 

MDOT has released their Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 2021 Targets. WATS Committees will be asked to either support or oppose MDOT’s State Safety targets in the coming months.

Did You Know?

WATS helps secure over $5 million a year in federal transportation funds for local communities.

Get Involved!

MDOT has extended the public online survey for its state long-range transportation plan through Saturday, Oct. 31. The plan establishes a vision and priorities for transportation in Michigan for the next 25 years. MDOT is seeking input from the public on potential strategies to deliver Michigan's transportation system through 2045. Read More

Check out the WATS Calendar for upcoming meetings and webinars.