Dixboro Rd at Pontiac Trail Roundabout

Big improvements are on the horizon for drivers in Salem and Northfield Townships: the intersection of Dixboro Road and Pontiac Trail is getting a major upgrade. The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is transforming this busy intersection into a modern roundabout—designed to enhance safety, ease traffic delays, and support environmental goals. 

Thanks to a $1.2 million federal Carbon Reduction Program grant awarded in 2023, construction is slated to begin in 2026. 

“The Washtenaw County Road Commission’s top priority is making sure everyone gets where they need to go safely—whether you’re driving your kids to school, commuting to work, or running errands,” said Jane Allen, WCRC Project Manager. “This roundabout will help reduce serious crashes and make the intersection safer and less stressful for everyone who travels through it as well as reducing carbon emissions by cutting down idling times at stop signs” 

Roundabouts help: 

• Improve traffic flow by reducing delays during peak travel times. 
• Enhance safety by lowering vehicle speeds and eliminating high-speed crossing conflicts. 
• Support sustainability goals by reducing vehicle idling and fuel consumption. 

WCRC routinely monitors intersections throughout the county to identify opportunities for improvement. Dixboro Rd at Pontiac Trail stood out due to growing congestion during peak hours. WCRC decided to install a roundabout at Dixboro and Pontiac Trail over a traditional signalized intersection since their continuous-flow design decreases commute times and lowers long-term maintenance costs.  There is also an added safety benefit since roundabouts have been shown to reduce injury crashes by up to 75% and nearly eliminate fatal crashes.  

To complete the project safely and efficiently, the intersection will be fully closed to all traffic during construction. A clearly marked detour will be posted, and WCRC will share updates with the community throughout the process. 

A virtual public information meeting will be held in Fall 2025, giving residents and travelers a chance to learn more and ask questions. 

For more information, visit the project web page here. You can also sign up for WCRC project updates here. 

For questions about this project, contact Jane Allen, Project Manager, at (734) 327-6691 or [email protected]. 

Pictured above is the intersection of Dixboro Rd and Pontiac Trail in Salem and Northfield Townships.