July 2022 WATSUp Newsletter

July 2022

Welcome to the July 2022 edition of WATS Up, the monthly newsletter for Washtenaw Area Transportation Study!

WATS Agency Updates

The annual crash data has been released for 2021 through Michigan Traffic Crash Facts. WATS is currently working on the annual crash report for Washtenaw County. Keep an eye out for our 2021 Crash Report.

This information is helpful as communities in the county look at their performance measures when it comes to transportation. Take a look at the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts linked below.

Learn More

ALL 2022 PROJECTS OBLIGATED!

In a year where agencies have faced multiple hurdles to delivering projects, WATS is happy to report that all of our FY 2022 projects have been obligated to receive federal funding and move forward with construction!

Many of this year's projects will be moving forward with construction in 2022, but the obligation to repay local agencies for projects allows 3 years for construction. Adjustments to infrastructure funding legislation and the introduction of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provided additional funding and add value to local agencies implementing projects this year. The additional value required a high level of coordination between local agencies, WATS, and our partner agencies.

Bravo on a successful whirlwind of a year!

Up On The Blog

Thu, Jul 21

WATS Goes to the MTPA Conference

Maggie Huntley

WATS will be attending the 2022 Michigan Transportation Planing Association (MTPA) Conference this July in Flint, Michigan.

Check out this article about the relationship between street design and pedestrian fatalities.

An autonomous shuttle project with Yunex Traffic and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) at the University of Florida.

Check out this article about pedestrian highway safety.

Here is an article about electric scooter safety and an article about using micomobility for the last mile of delivery.

Check out this article about biking in Minneapolis, MN which also, includes a bike tour video of one of the country’s most bike-friendly cities. Check out the Washtenaw County’s Bike Map to learn about biking in your community.

Partner Agency Updates

TheRide welcomes public comment to their fiscal year 2023 budget proposal. There is a number of opportunities to provide your comments.

SEMCOG has released their 2022 Bridge Condition data.

SEMCOG is adopting the 2023-2026 TIP!

Did You Know?

Michigan Traffic Crash Facts

Washtenaw County had 8,664 traffic crashes in 2021.

Check out last year’s 2020 Crash Report and previous years using the button below.