August 2020

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

WATS Agency Updates

  • Every four years, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) must certify each metropolitan planning organization (MPO) serving a transportation management area (TMA) – a designation by DOT of an urbanized area with a population over 200,000. WATS will undergo this certification in coordination with SEMCOG during the week of August 24. The process includes a formal opportunity for the public to comment on the work and processes of SEMCOG and WATS. More information, including a link to the virtual public involvement session will be available on the WATS website.

  • Have you checked out the new Non-Motorized Retrofit Report for Washtenaw’s freeway crossings? This report proposes short-term, intermediate, and optimum solutions for each type of crossing throughout the county.

  • WATS staff are pleased to release the final treatments chosen for Chelsea POP, a demonstration project in the City of Chelsea. Residents will see bike lanes, shared lane markings, crosswalks enhanced with color paint, painted curb extensions, and wayfinding signs popping up in September. These temporary street changes are meant to test out potential long term solutions. Learn more

Treatments popping up along McKinley Street include shared lane markings, or "sharrows", color paint treatments at crosswalks, and painted curb extensions at Railroad St. and Dewey St intersections.

Treatments popping up along N Freer Road include conventional bike lanes in each direction, color paint treatments at crosswalks, and green paint treatments at the B2B trail.

Up On The Blog

Mon, Aug 10

ReImagine Washtenaw Increases Access and Mobility Along Washtenaw Avenue

BY: Nathan Voght

Recent improvements along Washtenaw Ave. include ADA compliant sidewalks, an accessible bus stop and shelter, and pedestrian crossings at the Fountain Plaza traffic signal.

Read More

What We’re Reading

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) released a guide urging city leaders to rethink how they set speed limits. This means a major policy shift away from the 1940s-era 85th percentile method. Read More

Mobility data is foundational for fairer transportation systems, say city leaders across the country. Read More

Figuring Out School Bus Routes Is More Complicated Than Ever. Districts are Turning to Technology for Help. Read More

Partner Agency Updates

Starting August 30, TheRide will begin a temporary service plan with a reorganized network of routes that prioritize essential destinations.

The City of Saline has closed portions of Ann Arbor St on Fridays and Saturdays to make more space for downtown businesses and restaurants to serve customers.

Beginning this week, the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will be reconfiguring several city streets for 90 days. View more details, including a list of streets and the treatments they will undergo, at the project website.

Did You Know?

On August 4, 2020, voters of Washtenaw County voted to renew and restore the 0.5 mill four-year roads and non-motorized millage, estimated to generate approx. $8.9 million per year for roads and non-motorized paths.

  • WCRC will receive approximately $4 million per year to fund road work in the county’s twenty townships.

  • Cities and villages will receive approximately $3.1 million per year, with specific allocations based on the amount raised within a municipality’s borders. For example, the City of Ann Arbor will receive approximately $2.4 million per year to invest in their roads and pedestrian facilities.

  • The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission will receive approximately $1.8 million per year to support the expansion of the county’s non-motorized path network.

SOURCE: Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC)

Get Involved!

Check out the WATS Calendar for upcoming meetings and webinars.