Public Meeting Recap – 2018 Harris Rd Improvements

On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, the Washtenaw County Road Commission held a public information meeting regarding the 2018 Harris Road Improvement Project in Ypsilanti Township.  The project will be funded by federal transportation funds from the Surface Transportation Program – Urban (STP-U).

What improvements will be made?

  • Harris Road will be reconstructed between Michigan Ave (US-12) and Holmes Rd.
  • The two-lane road will include bicycle lanes, sidewalks and street lights.
  • A single-lane roundabout will be built at the intersection of Harris Rd and Cross St.
  • Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, will be included to manage stormwater runoff.

Below are displays from the public meeting and additional details about the project. To visit the project FAQ, click here. You may also submit comments about the project online by clicking here.

Overview of Road Construction

1. Harris Rd between Michigan Ave (US-12) and Holmes Rd. This segment of road will be reconstructed with bicycle lanes, 5’ sidewalks, street lights, concrete curb, and driveways.

2. Roundabout. A single lane roundabout will be built at the intersection of Harris Rd and Cross St to improve safety and calm traffic on Harris Road. To learn more about roundabout safety and how to travel roundabouts, visit www.wcroads.org/roundabouts.

3. Intersection of Harris Rd and Forest. The intersection will be reconstructed and remain a four-way stop controlled intersection.

What is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, use vegetation, soil, and other elements to manage stormwater runoff. Stormwater is created when rain falls on roads, driveways and other paved surfaces that do not allow water to soak into the ground. Stormwater can contain pollutants which can “runoff” into traditional storm sewers and local waterbodies. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective way to reduce and treat stormwater at its source by letting plants and soil absorb and filter the runoff which reduces the amount that flows into the storm sewers. Green infrastructure also ensures that the water that does run off is somewhat cleaner than untreated water.

The 2018 Harris Road project will include rain gardens, as seen in the image to the right. Additional examples of rain gardens can be seen on the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s website: http://bit.ly/raingardenexample.

Specific details regarding green infrastructure will be reviewed with individual property owners whose road frontage may be considered for a proposed rain garden in the right-of-way.

Click to expand image. Click here to download as a .PDF.

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2018 Projects