Washtenaw Avenue (M-17) Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study

Transforming Washtenaw Avenue: A Multi-Modal Corridor for All

Washtenaw Avenue (M-17) is a significant transportation corridor in Washtenaw County, connecting Downtown Ann Arbor with Downtown Ypsilanti, as well as regional institutions like Eastern Michigan University, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, and various businesses. Through the Washtenaw Avenue Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, a conceptual redesign of approximately 3.2 miles of this corridor was completed. The redesign spans Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti Township, and the City of Ypsilanti. The goal was to create a shared vision for a more connected, multi-modal corridor that promotes safe, comfortable, and equitable access for all travel modes while fostering the economic, institutional, and environmental goals of the surrounding communities.

OHM Advisors worked closely with the MDOT project team, gathering information about existing conditions, challenges, and preferences, and presenting several practical roadway configuration alternatives for community input. These alternatives were narrowed, refined, and vetted by project stakeholders, resulting in an “Acceptable Alternative” design that can be implemented in the future. The final transit-oriented design includes connected shared-use pathways, enhanced landscaping, midblock crossings, and dedicated transit priority lanes. It also meets the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements for project development.

OHM Advisors managed the overall project, led transportation planning and alternatives evaluation efforts, developed visualizations, and assisted with traffic modeling. They also spearheaded public engagement efforts, coordinating team members, developing meeting content, and creating an innovative virtual public meeting tool that allowed residents to learn about the project and provide feedback online.

Project Highlights:  Corridor design, transportation planning, community engagement, multimodal