Location of roadwork:
Dexter-Chelsea Rd between East of Freer Rd and Dancer Rd
Township:
Lima
When is the work being done:
2026
Description of work:
Mill & Resurfacing
Impact on Traffic:
Flagging
Funding Source(s):
Federal
Latest Updates
The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is planning to invest approximately $1.2 million to sealcoat around 26 lane miles of pavement throughout Washtenaw County during the 2026 construction season. Funding is provided by the Four-Year Countywide Roads and Non-Motorized Millage, along with support from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF).
Sealcoating is a proven method to protect our roads from daily wear—whether from traffic, sun exposure, or Michigan’s challenging freeze-thaw cycles. This process is applied to roads that are currently in good or fair condition to help extend their lifespan and minimize costly repairs in the future.
“Sealcoating is more than just a surface fix—it is a long-term investment in our county infrastructure that helps preserve roads and keep maintenance costs down,” explained Ken Harris, WCRC Superintendent of Maintenance.
Sealcoating involves two main steps:
- Chip seal: First, a thin layer of liquid asphalt is applied to the road surface, followed by small stones that are pressed into place for added durability.
- Fog seal: Next, a second layer of asphalt is sprayed over the chip-sealed surface to lock in the stones. Final pavement markings are added after the fog seal has fully cured.
Work is scheduled to begin in June 2026, weather permitting. Throughout the seal coating process, roads will remain open. However, drivers are encouraged to follow the posted 35 mph advisory speed to avoid damage from loose stones and uncured asphalt.
The fog seal typically needs a few hours to cure—so please do not drive on roads that have just been sealed until they are officially reopened. If you encounter flaggers or pilot vehicles, please follow their instructions carefully and remain alert about changing road conditions.
Below you will find the list of project locations, expected traffic impacts, and the tentative schedule.
Have questions about the program, contact Ken Harris, Superintendent of Maintenance, at (734) 327-6696, or via email at [email protected].
| Township | Location | Traffic Impact | Timeline (Chip Seal) | Timeline (Fog Seal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scio | Marshall Rd, Baker to End of Pavement | Lane restrictions | June 18 - 22 | July 26 |
| Lima | Dexter Chelsea Rd between Chelsea City Limits and Parker Rd | Lane restrictions | June 18 - 22 | July 26 |
| Lima, Scio | Parker Rd between Scio Church Rd and Jerusalem Rd | Lane restrictions | June 16-17 | July 26 |
| Ann Arbor | Earhart Rd between Plymouth Rd and Ann Arbor City Limits | Lane restrictions | Jun 8-10 | July 26 |
| Dexter | Dexter Pinckney Rd between N Territorial Rd and the County Line | Lane restrictions | June 2-3 | June 25 - 26 |
| Webster | McGregor Rd between Dexter Pinckney Rd to the County Line | Lane restrictions | June 2 - 3 | June 25 - 26 |
| Dexter | McGregor Rd between the Dexter Pinckney Road and the County Line | Lane restrictions | June 2 - 3 | June 25 - 26 |
| Northfield | Pontiac Trail between Joy Rd and Dixboro Rd | Lane restrictions | June 4 - 8 | June 26 |
| Northfield | Sutton Rd between N Territorial Rd and Pontiac Trail Rd | Road Closure | June 3 - 4 | June 26 |
| Salem | 7 Mile Rd between Dixboro Rd and Angle Rd | Lane restrictions | June 3 - 4 | June 26 |
| Superior | Ridge Rd between Mott Rd and the County Line | Lane restrictions | June 8 - 10 | June 26 |
| Superior | Superior Rd between Geddes Rd and the Township Line | Lane restrictions | June 8 - 10 | July 26 |
| Pittsfield | Platt Rd between US-12 and Ellsworth Rd | Lane restrictions | June 11 - 15 | July 26 |
| Ypsilanti | McGregor Rd between Tyler Rd and William Ave | Road Closure | June 26 | July 26 |
| Dexter | Hankered Rd between North Territorial Rd to County Line | Lane restrictions | June 26 | N/A |
| Lodi | Weber Rd, Ann Arbor Saline Rd to End of Pavement | Lane restrictions | June 16 - 17 | July 26 |
During the week of May 4, 2026, the contractor working on behalf of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), completed milling the existing road surface on Dexter Chelsea Rd, east of Freer Rd between Dancer Rd in Lima Township. Once milling was complete, the contractor paved Dexter-Chelsea Rd with a new asphalt surface and added the stone shoulders along the road. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, WCRC reopened the road to motorists.
WCRC crews will chip seal the road, followed by fog seal a few weeks later (sealing the surface of the roadway). Finally, a WCRC contractor will install permanent pavement markings. For more information on this process view the link: https://www.wcroads.org/whats-deal-chip-seals/
If you have questions regarding the resurfacing portion of this project, contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected]. Any questions regarding the chip sealing of Dexter-Chelsea Rd should be directed to Ken Harris, Superintendent of Maintenance, (734) 327-6696 or [email protected]
Pictured above is the newly paved surface on Dexter Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township.
WHEN: Monday, May 18, 2026
WHERE: Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township
WHY: Road repairs
BACKGROUND: On Monday, May 18, 2026, a contractor working on behalf of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will perform road repairs on Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township.
The work is expected to take approximately one day to complete. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.
Flaggers will be present. Delays are expected due to intermittent lane restrictions.
CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected]
ISSUE DATE: 05/18/2026
WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2026
WHERE: Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township
WHY: Milling & Asphalt Resurfacing – completed
BACKGROUND: On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) reopened Sutton Rd between Pontiac Trail and Northfield Church Rd in Northfield Township.
CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected] .
ISSUE DATE: 05/07/26
WHEN: Saturday, May 9, 2026
WHERE: Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township
WHY: Shoulder work
BACKGROUND: On Saturday, May 9, 2026, a contractor working on behalf of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will be performing shoulder work on Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township.
Flaggers will be present. The road will not be closed to traffic, but delays are likely due to intermittent lane restrictions.
The shoulder work is expected to take approximately one day to complete. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.
CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected] .
ISSUE DATE: 05/07/26
On Monday, April 27, the contractor working on behalf of the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), began the asphalt resurfacing project on Dexter Chelsea Rd, east of Freer Rd between Dancer Rd in Lima Township. The initial work involved the contractor removing the bridge deck surface from the bridge just west of Fletcher Rd. The contractor is now preparing the bridge for the installation of the waterproofing membrane (protective coating).
Next, the crew will begin milling the existing road surface. Once milling is complete, the new asphalt surface will be placed.
If you have questions, contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected]
in Lima Township.
WHEN: Monday, April 27, 2026
WHERE: Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township
WHY: Milling & Asphalt Resurfacing
BACKGROUND: On Monday, April 27, 2026, WCRC will close Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township for milling and asphalt resurfacing.
The work is expected to take approximately 2 weeks to complete. However, all dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions.
The road will be closed to all through traffic. Local traffic west and east of Fletcher Rd will be maintained, but the bridge just west of Fletcher Rd will be closed to traffic.
DETOUR: Detour map
CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact Becky Houle, Project Manager, (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected]
ISSUE DATE: 04/21/2026
The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has postponed the mill and resurface project on Dexter-Chelsea Rd between Freer Rd and Dancer Rd in Lima Township due to seasonal temperature restrictions. The resurfacing project is now expected to take place during the 2026 construction season.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will send out updates as the project, and related work, progresses.
Have questions about the project? Contact Becky Houle, project manager, at (734) 327-6678, or via email at [email protected].
WHEN: Friday, February 14, 2025, 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 2025 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 Friday, February 14, 2025, 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 these project, please contact Felix Weber-Bailey, Project Manager, (734) 327-6654, email [email protected], Kevin Dubnicki, Project Manager, (734) 327 -6693, email [email protected] and Ken Harris, Superintendent, (734) 327-6696, email [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: 02/04/25
The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is excited to announce a $9.4 million investments in improving approximately 37 miles of paved and unpaved roads across Washtenaw County during the 2025 construction season. These important projects are made possible through a combination of funding sources, including the 2025-2028 Four-Year County-Wide Roads and Non-motorized Millage, Federal Funds, Township partnerships, and Michigan Transportation Funds (MTF).
“This year’s resurfacing program is just one of the ways WCRC is committed to protecting the county’s transportation infrastructure,” said Brent Schlack, P.E., Director of Engineering and County Highway Engineer. “The successful completion of these critical projects requires a blend of resources and collaboration.”
Construction is slated to begin in mid-April and will continue through the fall of 2025, weather permitting. As part of this program, WCRC will also undertake necessary forestry work to maintain the safety and integrity of the roadways.
For a list of the specific projects, funding details, and anticipated traffic impacts, please refer to the links provided below for each project location.
Motorists will experience road closures with detours, daytime road closures, 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 on February 14, 2025. WCRC will post project updates online at wcroads.org. Residents can subscribe to road work advisories and project updates here.
For specific questions on these projects, contact Felix Weber-Bailey, Project Manager, (734) 327-6654, email [email protected], Kevin Dubnicki, Project Manager, (734) 327 -6693, email [email protected] and Ken Harris, Superintendent, (734) 327-6696, email [email protected].
Pictured is a map of our 2025 County-wide Resurfacing Program.
