NOTICE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN

CITY OF ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

Project Management Services Unit
100 N. Fifth Avenue, P.O. Box 8647
P.O. Box 8647, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48107-8647
Phone: (734) 794-6410 Fax: (734) 994-1744
Web: www.a2gov.org

Printed on recycled paper
Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Manager
(734) 794-6411
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2010

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN
S. STATE STREET AND E. WASHINGTON STREET
MONDAY, MAY17, 2010 TO SATURDAY MAY 22, 2010

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
S. State Street from Huron to Washington and E. Washington from S. State to Fletcher.

Description of Construction:
Streets and sidewalks repairs by the U. Of M. North Quad Project.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
Beginning May 17, 2010 Traffic will be detoured around the North Quad site. The intersection of S. State and E. Washington will remain open to at least one lane of “turning” traffic. Traffic will be detoured around the site using Washington to the West, Division, Huron, Fletcher, N. University and State.

Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on at least one side of the streets at all times.

Refer to the enclosed map for further details.

Project Contacts (City of Ann Arbor):
Alison Heatley, Project Engineer, 794-6410x43621
Tim Towles, Civil Engineering Specialist, 323-6526

Project Contacts
Christman Constructors, Inc.
Brendan Raftery, Project Manager, (734) 327-5999
Walbridge Aldinger
Mike Hubert, Project Superintendant, (313) 220-6546

National anti-texting campaign

The US Department of Transportation has picked up on an anti-text messaging campaign by AT&T wireless. USDOT even made a post on their blog with links to videos, posters and more information about the campaign. One of the heart wrenching videos from the campaign is shown below.



Check out the USDOT blog post and access more information on the anti-text messaging campaign by clicking on the link below.

http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/03/new-antitexting-campaign-breaks-hearts-and-unsafe-habits.html

A2 Journal Letter to the editor: Why should local taxpayers fund roads in other states?

Andrew McCune of Saline sent in this great letter to the editor that was published in the A2Jounral. Do you think Andrew's solution is feasible? What else can Michigan residents do to get back more of the money we pay at the pump?

As our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate and thousands of Michigan residents remain unemployed, a developing scenario would use Michigan tax dollars to fund road and bridge construction in other states.

Our elected representatives in Lansing have the opportunity to avoid this scenario; however, lack of leadership, political posturing and inaction by our legislature is going to result in our federal gas tax dollars going to other states for their road construction.

The federal surface transportation act known as SAFETEA-LU (Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) requires that states provide a 20 percent match on all federally funded projects. In the next fiscal year, Michigan will not have adequate revenue to provide the match.

As the budget currently stands, Michigan will fall $84 million short of our required matching funds, resulting in $475 million sent back to Washington for redistribution to other states. This number climbs to $2 billion over the next four years. These dollars that Michigan will be sending back to Washington are generated through the federal gas tax that Michigan residents pay each time they fill their gas tanks.

It's a well-known fact that quality transportation system is a key factor in attracting and maintaining business in any state. Businesses do not want to locate in a state that has failing infrastructure and no funding to maintain roads. If we fail to adequately fund our road and bridge projects in Michigan, it will become all the more difficult to attract business to Michigan.

In addition, transportation supports thousands of jobs within Michigan. Without a small revenue increase, more than 17,000 jobs are projected to be lost. Lack of adequate road funding will further Michigan's economic crisis. An increase in transportation funding is supported by not only the transportation industry, but also the American Manufacturing Association, the trucking industry and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Solutions have been introduced in both the Michigan Senate and House in the form of two bills -- SB862 and HB5768-5770. Each of these bills calls for increasing the state gasoline tax by 4 cents a gallon in 2010 and again in 2013, the first increase since 1997. The average motorist would pay an additional 50 cents per week under these bills.

Although introduced, legislation sits stalled in both the Senate and the House. Leadership in Michigan's Senate and House of Representatives doesn't want to take on a revenue increase during an election year. So while the politicians continue to posture and position for their jobs in our government, Michigan taxpayers will be funding transportation projects in other states. This should be unimaginable and unacceptable to every Michigan resident.

The answer is simple: Generate enough revenue to capture our fair share of the federal funds to fix Michigan's deteriorating infrastructure.

Andrew McCune

Saline

Transportation Planning Meets Mobile Phone Technology

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority has released a new application for the iPhone and Android mobile phone operating systems. The app will prompt the user to enter the trip purpose at the beginning of one's bicycle trip. After that, information on trip route, travel time and time of day and week the trip takes place is uploaded in real time to the Transportation Authority. This information is used to help transportation planners and travel modelers better understand the needs of cyclists.

WATS is excited to see this new integration of mobile phone technology and transportation planning and will continue to track the progress and success of the San Francisco program.

Here is a link to an article on the San Fransisco based application.

What do you think? If it becomes available would you be interested in participating with WATS to use mobile phone technology to help us better understand trip making behavior in the County?

Lane Closures on Miller coming this week

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan
MILLER AVENUE – MAIN TO CHAPIN
March 4 – March 12, 2010

Location and Limits of Affected Area:
Miller Avenue from North First Street to Chapin Street.

Description of Work:
Storm and sanitary sewers are being cleaned and videotaped.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:
Beginning March 4, Miller Avenue between Main Street and First Street will be reduced to one lane, with eastbound traffic being maintained. Westbound traffic at First Street will be detoured south to Huron Street, west on Huron Street, and north on Seventh Street, back to Miller Avenue.

During this work the traffic may experience brief delays within the areas influenced by this work. Detour signs will be posted for this construction; however the motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary public infrastructure improvements are completed.


Project Contacts:
City of Ann Arbor
Nick Hutchinson, P.E., Project Engineer (734) 845-0698
Adam Ajam, Civil Engineering Specialist, (734) 323-6565

DownUnder Construction
Danny Butterfield, Construction Contractor, (269) 377-1944

Improved Access for Ann Arbor CIL

The following press release is from the Center for Independent Living regarding increased access to the new CIL offices on Research Park Drive. Feel free to share and post your thoughts.


For immediate release:
January 29, 2010

The bus stops here!

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor CIL) has worked closely with Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA), and now the community has a safe and secure bus stop at the Ann Arbor CIL, located at 3941 Research Park Drive. AATA’s inbound bus route #6 from Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor has added stops along Research Park Drive at both the Social Security Administration and the Ann Arbor CIL. The Ann Arbor CIL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth, and adults with disabilities. Ann Arbor CIL has been in the community for 34 years. Two years ago they needed to move with the closing of Georgetown Mall. The building, where the Ann Arbor CIL, is now is more accessible and twice the size of their old facility. When they moved, they knew they would benefit from increased transit options.

The new bus stop now allows individuals with disabilities and the general public to make a safe and independent trip to and from the Ann Arbor CIL. “Before the bus stop, getting to or from here by bus was difficult, especially for many individuals with disabilities. Members of our community had to get off the bus in heavy traffic and travel long distances to receive our services and participate in events. We now have 50% more access via public transportation than we had before,” states Carolyn Grawi, Ann Arbor CIL Director of Advocacy and Education.

The benefits of the efforts to create this bus stop are already being realized by the community. Jim Briggs, an Ann Arbor resident and frequent visitor and volunteer at the Ann Arbor CIL states, “having access is key. Before I couldn’t get from the Ann Arbor CIL easily on my own, and now I can ride the bus directly from their building. Going to the Ann Arbor CIL is important to me, and having the bus has a big impact for me.” For Jim, because of costs, budgeting A-Ride Paratransit Service is difficult, and he has had to choose only the activities he really wanted to participate in. Having the bus so close to the Ann Arbor CIL allows Jim to use his manual chair rather than his motorized scooter. The new bus stop now makes it possible for him to attend more activities and events at the Center. Likewise, Mary Dolinsky says, “this stop is great for me.” Mary is very active at the Ann Arbor CIL, and she can now safely plan her trip to and from her home to the Center without walking long distances in dangerous traffic. Mary also shares, “I am excited that more people will be able to come to the Ann Arbor CIL and be active in their events and services.”

The Ann Arbor CIL, Social Security Administration, and community members are advocating to have the city install a traffic light at Ellsworth and S. Research Park Drive so that the out-bound route #6 can serve the new bus stops. Right now riders traveling outbound from Ann Arbor to the Ann Arbor CIL or Social Security Administration building must either ride farther and transfer to other vehicles or use the bus stops located in heavy traffic areas that are inaccessible and further away from their destinations. Crossing Ellsworth is a problem for the bus and for cars, let alone individuals.

The Ann Arbor CIL continues to advocate and work with AATA to improve and advance county-wide service options for transit-dependent individuals. One program area needing to be resumed for all travelers is travel training, so that people can make the most use of the transit services available. The Ann Arbor CIL supports county-wide expansion of transit options and sees increased access throughout Washtenaw County as a plus for individuals, the economy, and the environment.

The AATA in-bound route #6 bus arrives at Ann Arbor CIL at :12 and :42 after the hour M-F days, and at :12 after the hour M-F evenings and on weekends. For more information about the Ann Arbor CIL please visit www.aacil.org. For more information on how to travel to the Ann Arbor CIL using the bus, visit the AATA website at www.theride.org or call 996-0400. You may also call or email the Ann Arbor CIL at 971-0277 ext 16 or cgrawi@aacil.org .

MDOT Considers List of Improvements from WATS Committees

The WATS Technical and Policy Committees have developed a list of needed improvements to MDOT facilities within Washtenaw County. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s University Region and Brighton Transportation Service Center participated in discussions with both Committees in December as the list was assembled. The recommended improvements are included below. If you have any other improvements you would like to see MDOT complete feel free to post a comment here and WATS will forward the comment to MDOT.

MDOT Requested Improvements--Washtenaw County
December 2009

BL-94/Jackson/Huron/Washtenaw
Further study and consideration of 4 to 3 conversion (Limits Maple to Dexter), with bike lanes
Further study and consideration of 4 to 3 conversion (Limits Dexter to Third), with bike lanes
Further study and consideration of 4 to 3 conversion (Limits S. University to Stadium), with bike lanes
Installation of HAWK Signal at 3rd and Chapin
Installation of Pedestrian Crossing Improvements for Jackson/Huron (Refuge Islands) between Thayer and Ingalls, Stadium and US-23, and further west of Stadium
Conversion of Washtenaw/Cross to 2-way traffic with Washtenaw designated as M-17
Bus pullout bays along Washtenaw
Study/implement Queue Jump lanes at Maple, US-23, Yost, Pittsfield, Huron Parkway, Stadium per AA 2009 Transportation Plan Update
SCOOT implementation or interconnection along the entire corridor
Implement Access Management recommendations
Study/implement double left turn lanes onto SB Maple
Study feasibility of intersection redesign at Maple (roundabout)
Traffic calming or cues for drivers to slow down via landscaping, pedestrian walk at Maple

BR-12/Michigan Ave
Construct and fill in gaps in Sidewalks
Install Lighting (at local expense)
Midblock Pedestrian Crossings location TBD by residents (consider HAWK, Pedestrian Refuge Islands)
Create additional pedestrian crossing between West Willow and neighborhood to Northwest

BR-US-12/Hamilton/Huron
Implement 3 to 2 conversion with bike lanes/parking

BR-23/Main St
Complete non-motorized facilities from Huron River Drive, connect existing pathways
Construct drainage improvements
Signal improvement: right turn overlap phase at Main and Depot
Conduct feasibility for other improvements at Main and Depot
Study/implement Queue Jump lanes at Depot and Summit per City of Ann Arbor 2009 Transportation Plan Update
Construct a bus turnaround south of M-14

M-17/Washtenaw/Michigan/Ecorse/Cross
Complete sidewalks on both side of road
Convert T-in US-23 interchange ramps to enable safer non-motorized crossings
Streetscape improvement per Re-imagine Washtenaw
Install Transit Bypass lanes (Queue Jump lanes)
Initiate feasibility/analysis—Corridor Study for Public Transit
Construct Intercept Transit Parking Deck (Park and Ride) near Arborland at US-23
Install Lighting (at local expense)
Implement Access Management recommendations
Midblock pedestrian refuge islands on Washtenaw (US-23 to Mansfield), at Huron Parkway, and at Golfside
Install pedestrian facilities at Oakwood and Washtenaw
Work with locals to align cross section of Oakwood and Washtenaw

M-153/Ford Rd
Install advance street signs, particularly for Prospect

M-52/Main
Install signal at Werkner Road per Tappan Datta analysis
Install wide shoulders along entire route
Install center rumble strips in rural sections
Implement recommendations from safety study from Old US-12 to I-94 , complete Access Management plan
Relocate signal from Brown Dr to Commerce Park Dr

M-14
Resurface from east tri-level to east county line
Non-motorized improvements at interchange and bridge at Miller/Maple
Implement ITS and Courtesy Patrol

US-12/Michigan
Implement improvements included in the approved EIS
Install non-motorized improvements (sidewalks, bike lanes), from the western boundary of Saline to I-94
Provide pedestrian refuge islands near Walmart
Use CMAQ funds to improve US-23/US-12 interchange
Reconstruct US-12 from Mills Road to Maple Road
Streetscape improvements in downtown Saline area (in US-12 R.O.W. in limits of the above reconstruction) according to City of Saline Enhancement Plan
Installation of left turn signals at US-12 & Maple, at US-12 and Industrial, US-12 and Platt, and US-12 and Moon/State

US-23
Non-motorized improvements at interchanges and bridges at Barker, Jennings, 6 Mile, 8 Mile/Whitmore Lake, Warren, Plymouth, Washtenaw, US-12, Carpenter
Study installation of signal at Barker
Implement ITS and Courtesy Patrol
Install ramp extensions and upgrade interchanges, particularly at North Territorial
Implement Feasibility Study

I-94
Non-motorized improvements at interchanges and bridges at Zeeb, Baker, M-52, Ann Arbor-Saline, State, Michigan, Huron, and Rawsonville
Landscape enhancements on bridge and entrance into city at interchange with State
Repave/reconstruct approaches, bridge, and off-ramps at Ann Arbor-Saline, particularly EB off-ramp
Convert interchange ramps to T-in ramps to enable safer non-motorized crossings
Eliminate slip ramps at Ann Arbor-Saline interchange
Implement ITS and Courtesy Patrol
Realign curves at Kalmbach and at Jackson (BL-94)
Add right turn lane on EB-ramp at State St
Upgrade Fletcher Rd interchange
Upgrade Jackson Rd interchange
Study Zeeb Road interchange from Jackson to Pratt for non-motorized improvements

Other
Implement ITS and Courtesy Patrol
Adequate funding for Local Bridge Program

Carpool Lots
Look at potential for Transit service at existing MDOT carpool lots at I-94 and State, Ann Arbor-Saline, Zeeb (or Baker) and US-23 and Territorial

WATS Celebrates 35 years of Cooperation

Following the December 16th WATS Policy Committee meeting the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study celebrated its 35th anniversary. The celebration included many previous Committee members and employees as well as a presentation on the evolution and accomplishments of the Agency since its establishment in 1974.

Former Executive Directors Bob Polens and Bob Tetens as well as former Policy Chairs, Gretchen Driskell, Ruth Ann Jamnick, Meri Lou Murray and Nathalie Edmunds were among those in attendance.

We still have a number of 35th anniversary pens at our office on 705 N. Zeeb Road. Feel free to stop by and pick up a free pen and brochure that covers the Agency’s past and present while supplies last!

Included below are a few pictures from the event.

Cable Guardrails Save Lives

There have been many questions regarding the cable guardrails that have been popping up all over Michigan. Yesterday MDOT issued a press release that describes the effectiveness of cable guardrails at saving lives. That press release is included below.










FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009

CONTACT: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-619-7963

Cable guardrail works –
MDOT's You Tube channel shows why

December 7, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is using social media to tell motorists about the benefits of its 280-mile cable guardrail program. The message is now playing on the MDOT You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.

"Cable guardrail is already doing exactly what it is designed to do - save lives," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "By preventing vehicles from crossing over the median into oncoming traffic, innocent people are being protected from serious injuries and even death. We expect to save about 13 lives every year and prevent numerous serious injuries."

Cross-median crashes are three times more deadly than other freeway crashes. Cable guardrail is designed to prevent vehicles from crossing the median and is expected to reduce cross-median crashes by an estimated 90 percent. In addition to reducing the severity of crashes, cable guardrail is a very cost-effective safety measure when compared to other barriers. Cable guardrail only costs $12-15 per foot, while steel "W-beam" guardrail costs $28-33 per foot and concrete barrier has a cost of $80 or more per foot.

According to state and federal regulations, funding for MDOT's three-year, $40 million program cannot be spent on other transportation projects.

For more information about cable guardrail, visit the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/cableguardrail. Follow MDOT at www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT or visit the "Michigan Department of Transportation" page on Facebook and become a fan.

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2010 Traffic Summit Map

Staff from MDOT, WATS and other ACT 51 agencies in Washtenaw County will attend the 2010 Washtenaw County Traffic Summit on November 18th, 2009. The purpose of the Summit is for transportation agencies to discuss the 2010 construction schedule and possibly coordinate projects or detours.

WATS helps to facilitate this process by collecting upcoming project information from local transportation agencies. This information is provided below as a google map. If you have any questions email us at wats@miwats.org.


View 2010 Summit Projects in a larger map