Streets for All: Michigan Ave (2027-2028)
- Project schedule2027-2028
Michigan Ave is one of several downtown streets that will be entirely rebuilt in the coming years. It will be converted from one-way, high-speed traffic to a two-way street that is safer and more comfortable for more people. This series of projects is called Streets For All and also includes Michikal St, Kalamazoo Ave, Lovell St, South St, and others in the downtown area.
A public design process is currently underway to design a new two-way Michigan Ave. A series of meetings, events, and surveys will be held this fall to gather feedback from community members and downtown stakeholders. This feedback will inform the final design, which is scheduled for construction in 2027-2028.
You can follow along during the design process on this page- just click subscribe below to be notified when updates are posted. You can also find events and opportunities to get involved below.
January 2025 Update
Design Concepts
Design concepts that show recommended alternative designs for Michigan Avenue are available below. Feedback received during Open Houses in January will be considered as we begin to develop preliminary engineering design plans.
View the January 2025 Design Concepts(PDF, 8MB)
Traffic Simulations
These video clips show how selected intersections along Michigan Avenue are expected to operate under the recommended alternative design during the afternoon peak hour starting at 4:45 p.m. The intersections selected were Michikal Street, Rose Street, and Portage Street.
Each clip represents at least one traffic signal “cycle,” where each traffic signal indication at the intersection is activated and the vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians complete their movements. The videos show an overhead view, highlighting vehicle movements, then a 3-dimensional view, showing interactions between vehicles, buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists, as well as more detailed on-street parking maneuvers. The videos operate at three times the normal speed to keep playback times reasonable.
The simulation findings predict that motorists on average will be driving about 50% slower with the proposed design compared to existing conditions during the afternoon peak hour. Reducing vehicular speeds is an important step towards improving safety and mobility for people walking, biking, taking the bus, or driving. Additionally, redistributing space previously dedicated to cars to improve sidewalks and bikeway facilities makes the corridor a more attractive destination.
November 2024 Update
Want to check in on the design process so far? You can review the presentation slides from the November 7 Town Hall, which give an overview of the latest design options and the engagement process so far.
View the November 7 Town Hall Presentation (PDF, 12MB)