Freedom Township

WCRC staff produced the 2024 Freedom Township Local Road Funding Packet which includes information about the Local Road Matching Program, road funding, asset management and road treatments. Below is a summary of the roads, bridges and culverts located in Freedom Township.

Primary Roads  

  • 11.92 miles of paved primary roads  
  • 4.47 miles unpaved primary roads 
  • 0 bridges (more than 20’ span) 
  • 2 culverts, greater than 5’ in diameter 

Local Roads  

  • 1.68 miles of local paved roads 
  • 46.27 miles of local unpaved roads 
  • 0 bridges (more than 20’ span) 
  • 5 culverts on local collector roads, greater than 5’ in diameter 

WCRC has also provided a link to the township website, see button below.

Township Website

Latest Updates

July 21, 2024 Lane Restrictions: Esch Rd (Freedom Twp)

WHEN: Monday, July 22, 2024

WHERE: Esch Rd between Bethel Church Rd and Altenbrent Rd in Freedom Township

WHY: Unpaved road resurfacing

BACKGROUND: On Monday, July 22, 2024, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will be resurfacing Esch Rd between Bethel Church Rd and Altenbrent Rd in Freedom Township.

The road will not be closed to traffic, but delays are likely due to lane restrictions. WCRC encourages motorists, emergency services and others to use an alternate route.

The road surfacing is expected to take approximately five days. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Jared Powers, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance, (734) 327-6650 or [email protected]

ISSUE DATE: 07/21/24

July 21, 2024 Lane Restrictions: Steinbach Rd (Freedom Twp)

WHEN: Monday, July 22, 2024

WHERE: Steinbach Rd between Saline Waterworks Rd and Bethel Church Rd in Freedom Township

WHY: Unpaved road resurfacing

BACKGROUND: On Monday, July 22, 2024, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will be resurfacing Steinbach Rd between Saline Waterworks Rd and Bethel Church Rd in Freedom Township.

The road will not be closed to traffic, but delays are likely due to lane restrictions. WCRC encourages motorists, emergency services and others to use an alternate route.

The road surfacing is expected to take approximately five days. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Jared Powers, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance, (734) 327-6650 or [email protected]

ISSUE DATE: 07/21/24

June 25, 2024 Project Update #1: Schneider Rd Resurfacing (Bridgewater & Freedom Twps)

Our resurfacing project on Schneider Rd between Austin Rd and Pleasant Lake Rd in Bridgewater & Freedom Townships went well.

On June 14, the contractor for the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) performed milling operations in specific areas to accommodate asphalt paving. Following milling operations, the contractor placed the new hot mix asphalt pavement throughout the project limits. This week, the contractor is working to place aggregate (stone) shoulders and temporary pavement markings. A schedule for permanent pavement markings is still yet to be determined.

WCRC will send out updates as the project progresses. Have questions about the project? Contact Mike Bernbeck, Project Manager – Design & Construction, (734) 327-6654, or via email at [email protected].

Pictured is the new surface of Schneider Rd between Austin Rd and Pleasant Lake Rd in Bridgewater & Freedom Townships.
June 10, 2024 Lane Restrictions: Schneider Rd (Bridgewater & Freedom Twps)

WHEN: Friday, June 14, 2024

WHERE: Schneider Rd between Austin Rd and Pleasant Lake Rd in Bridgewater & Freedom Townships

WHY: Road resurfacing

BACKGROUND: On Friday, June 14, 2024, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will begin a resurfacing project on Schneider Rd between Austin Rd and Pleasant Lake Rd in Bridgewater & Freedom Townships.

The road will not be closed to traffic, but delays are likely due to lane restrictions. WCRC encourages motorists, emergency services and others to use an alternate route.

The road improvements are expected to take approximately two weeks. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact Mike Bernbeck, Project Manager – Design & Construction, (734) 327-6654, or via email at [email protected]

ISSUE DATE: 06/10/24

June 5, 2024 Hybrid Informational Session: Renew & Restore County-wide Roads & Non-motorized Millage

Washtenaw County, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) and the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) invites the public to a hybrid informational session on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. to learn more about the renew and restore 0.5 mill four-year county-wide roads and non-motorized millage (Proposal A). WCRC encourages residents to join the conversation either in person or in a Zoom meeting. 

  • Event: Renew & Restore Roads & Non-motorized Millage Informational Session
  • Date:   Monday, June 24, 2024
  • Time:  11:30 a.m.
  • In-person: Washtenaw County Road Commission, 555 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 
  • Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/wcrcprojectmeeting , or by phone: (929) 205-6099, Meeting ID: 879 2332 8754

Washtenaw County voters are being asked on the August 6, 2024, ballot to renew and restore the 0.5 mill four-year county-wide roads and non-motorized millage (Washtenaw County Proposal A). This is not a new tax for voters. If renewed and restored, the 0.5 mill is expected to generate approximately $10.9 million per year for roads and non-motorized pathway projects. WCRC would receive approximately $4.9 million per year for road work in 20 townships, Cities would receive approximately $3.8 million per year, with specific allocations based on the amount raised within cities borders, and WCPARC would receive approximately $2.2 million per year to support the expansion of the county non-motorized path network through the Border-to-Border Trail Project (B2B Trail) and the Connecting Communities Grant Program.  

“Since its inception a decade ago, the county-wide roads and non-motorized millage has consistently delivered on its promise to improve the roadways, bridges, and non-motorized pathways in Washtenaw County,” said Matthew MacDonell, Managing Director of Washtenaw County Road Commission. “Through strategic investments and careful planning, we have witnessed significant progress in addressing the condition of our critical infrastructure.” 

“The Roads and Non-motorized Millage is a testament to the power of collective action and community investment. As we look towards the future, we are confident that our continued partnership with WCRC, Township, and City leaders and residents will enable us to build upon past successes and pave the way for a brighter, more resilient tomorrow,” said Coy Vaughn, Director of Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. 

More than 70% of county voters approved of the four-year, 0.5 mill roads and non-motorized millages in 2016 and 2020. With widespread support from our residents, the proposed Roads and Non-motorized Millage has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing the needs of our community. 

The Roads and Non-motorized Millage have been a vital lifeline for our community, providing the necessary resources to improve our road infrastructure and non-motorized pathways, says Chuck Tellas, Supervisor for York Township. Our Township remains committed to working collaboratively with WCRC and WCPARC to ensure that our roads and non-motorized facilities remain safe, accessible, and well-maintained for the future.” 

Visit https://bit.ly/washtenawroadandpathmillage to learn more. 

Contact: Tiffany Oliphant, Communications Manager, Washtenaw County Road Commission 

[email protected] / (734) 327-6646 

Contact: Ann M. Ziolkowski, Communications Manager, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission 

[email protected]/ (734) 971-6337 

### 

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (WCPARC)
The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, founded in 1973, currently manages 12 parks and 37 nature preserves totaling more than 6,700 acres. Washtenaw County Parks provides recreational and nature-based programming. Visit us at washtenaw.org/parks on Facebook and Instagram, or call (734) 971-6337.   

Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC)
The Washtenaw County Road Commission, founded in 1919, maintains approximately 1,650 miles of certified public roads. All public roads in Washtenaw County located outside of city and village limits are maintained by WCRC crews. Visit us at wcroads.org, @washtenawroads on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter, or call (734) 761-1500. 

March 26, 2024 Road Reopened: Lima Center Rd (Freedom Twp)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, 2024

WHERE: Lima Center Rd between Pleasant Lake Rd and Ellsworth Rd in Freedom Township

WHY: Permit work – culvert replacement

BACKGROUND: On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WCWRCO) re-opened Lima Center Rd between Pleasant Lake Rd and Ellsworth Rd in Freedom Township.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact William Fults, Project Manager, (734) 222-3883 or [email protected]

ISSUE DATE: 03/26/24

March 19, 2024 Virtual Public Meeting: 2024 Resurfacing Program (County-wide)

PROJECT: 2024 County-wide Resurfacing Program

WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Online: https://bit.ly/wcrcprojectmeeting

By Touchtone Phone: (929) 205-6099, Meeting ID: 879 2332 8754

WHY: The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will hold a virtual project information meeting regarding the planned County-wide Resurfacing Program taking place during the 2024 construction season.

During construction, traffic will be maintained under lane restrictions and flagging operations. During specific construction activities, the road may be closed, and a detour will be posted. WCRC estimates it will take approximately two/three weeks, on average, to complete each project, weather pending.

The virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 11 a.m. There will be a brief presentation followed by time for questions from the audience. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project web page after the meeting.

Click here to learn more about joining the virtual meeting.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Mike Bernbeck, Project Manager, at (734) 327-6654, or via email at [email protected].

WCRC will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes or printed material being presented at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon a 5-business day notice. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Tiffany Oliphant, communications manager, by phone (734) 327-6646 or by email [email protected].

ISSUE DATE: 03/19/24

March 18, 2024 Road Closure with Detour: Lima Center Rd (Freedom Twp)

WHEN: Monday, March 18, 2024

WHERE: Lima Center Rd between Pleasant Lake Rd and Ellsworth Rd in Freedom Township

WHY: Permit work – culvert replacement

BACKGROUND: On Monday, March 18, 2024, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WCWRCO) closed Lima Center Rd between Pleasant Lake Rd and Ellsworth Rd in Freedom Township to replace a culvert.

The roadwork is expected to take approximately five days. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.

DETOUR: Click here for the detour map.

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact William Fults, Project Manager, (734) 222-3883, or via email at [email protected]

ISSUE DATE: 03/18/24

March 15, 2024 Project Announcement: 2024 Resurfacing Program (County-wide)

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is announcing plans to invest $6.7 million to improve approximately 20 lane miles of pavement throughout Washtenaw County during the 2024 construction season. Cadillac Asphalt was awarded the contract. The projects are funded through the 2021-2024 Four-year County-wide Roads and Non-Motorized Millage, federal funds and Michigan Transportation Funds (MTF).

“Most of these investments are made possible by Washtenaw County residents who travel on these roads every day. As stewards of these precious dollars, WCRC is committed to ensuring these resources are reinvested into communities, in which it came from,” said Mike Bernbeck, WCRC Project Manager.

Construction will begin mid-April and will end during the fall of 2024, weather pending. Listed below are the project locations with a link to their project web page, funding cost and traffic impacts:

Motorists will experience road closures with detours, lane restrictions, and flagging operations. WCRC will maintain access for residents who live or work within the project limits during construction.

WCRC will host a virtual public information meeting regarding the County-wide Resurfacing projects in Spring 2024. WCRC will post project updates online at wcroads.org. Residents can subscribe to road work advisories and project updates here.

For specific questions on this project, contact Mike Bernbeck, Project Manager, (734) 327-6654 or [email protected].

Pictured is a map of our 2024 County-wide Resurfacing Program.