Expect more street closures as construction proceeds on 2 Ann Arbor projects

ANN ARBOR, MI - Construction on a new high-rise apartment building and continued work on a University of Michigan project will bring street closures to two areas of Ann Arbor.

Parts of both East Madison Street and South Forest Avenue are slated to shut down beginning Wednesday, April 17, city officials said.

The first set of restrictions will allow contractors to move a public utility related to the relocation of UM’s Elbel Field between Hill and Hoover streets, a long-time practice location for the marching band. The field is being moved north of Hill to make way for a 2,300-bed student dorm project.

A set of existing closures that began in January are in effect for the construction until June 21, a delayed completion date, according to a city road closure page.

Between Wednesday, April 17, and Friday, April 19, the intersection of East Madison Street and South Fifth Avenue will also close completely, as crews occupy the area for utility relocation, according to the city.

Westbound Madison traffic is being detoured northwest onto Packard Street and south on South Main Street back to Madison. Madison Street between South Fifth Avenue and South Division Street will be temporarily converted into a two-way street for local traffic only.

Pedestrians can use the north side of Madison, city officials said.

Less than a mile to the east, near South U, another development project will also occupy a city street beginning Wednesday morning.

At that time, contractors will close South Forest Avenue between Hill and Willard streets to install utilities for a new building. On the block, developers plan a 12-story, 733-bed high-rise called Verve Ann Arbor, replacing a five-story, 1960s-era apartment building.

Work will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday and Saturdays through Friday, May 3, the slated end date for the closure, officials said.

Northbound Forest Avenue traffic is being detoured west on Hill Street to Church Street, north to Willard Street and east back to Forest. Southbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse.

Construction crews will maintain pedestrian traffic on the west side of South Forest Avenue, officials said.

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