ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WXYZ) — For those who love to bike and walk, more space to do just that is in the works for downtown Ann Arbor. It could also impact your drive through the city.
In all, there are going to be seven streets within downtown Ann Arbor as part of the Downtown Development Authority's "People-Friendly Streets Project." The goal is to provide relief for those working around the coronavirus.
Beginning this week, crews will be reconfiguring streets in Ann Arbor, allowing for more space for walkers and bikers alike to social distance.
Some of the streets seeing changes include Division from Packard to the Broadway Bridge and South Main from William to Stadium.
"So those projects will see things like two way separated bike lanes, on the streets, so with construction cones, and other temporary elements, we will be putting in bikes lanes that can be used for cyclists but also for pedestrians on the sidewalk if the sidewalks are crowder and you need more space," DDA Communications Manager Maura Thomson said.
In order to make this happen, some turn lanes and parking spaces will be reconfigured. These changes will be in place until mid-November.
This isn't the only change happening to Ann Arbor streets. There are already 25 "slow streets" outside of downtown that have been reconfigured for drivers to help pedestrians and bikers.
On weekends, some downtown streets are used for outdoor dining, helping restaurants seat more people. That will go until Sept. 21.
“I am appreciative of any measures this city can put forward to accommodate people and allow for greater safety and comfort," Ann Arbor resident Nick Zettell said.
Below is a map for the project.
