Werkner Road

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) and our engineering consultant have updated the plan to improve Werkner Road between Sibley Road and M-52 in Sylvan Township. Public input led to revisions that minimize impacts on property frontages within the county road right of way. The changes include a few less tree removals, though some are still necessary for roadside drainage to ensure the durability of the road.

Scope of Work

• Section 1 (Sibley Rd to 1200′ North): Milling and asphalt resurfacing with minimal widening. Two 11-foot travel lanes with centerline and edge line pavement markings. No tree removals are planned.
• Section 2 (1200′ North to M-52): Some tree removals. Crushing (pulverizing) and shaping the existing asphalt / aggregate base. Asphalt paving on this modified base material. Two 11-foot travel lanes. 2-foot paved and 2-foot gravel shoulders on each side. Roadside drainage, including open ditch and concrete curb and gutter sections. Centerline and edge line pavement markings.

Next Steps

• WCRC staff will communicate directly with individual property owners with tree removals or driveway approach changes identified in the Right of Way (ROW) along their property frontage.
• Following the above-mentioned property owner communications tree removals by a WCRC contractor will be scheduled.
• Preparation of final road improvement bid documents (plans, specifications) and project advertisement for contractor bid.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project. To receive updates, select subscribe at Subscribe for Road Updates. For questions or more information, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327-6648 or [email protected].

REVISED Werkner Rd Tree Exhibit 3-3-26  design plans to improve Werkner Road between Sibley Road and M-52 in Sylvan Township.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) conducted a virtual Public Information Meeting regarding the reconstruction project on Werkner Road between Sibley Road and M-52 in Sylvan Township, on February 9, 2026. The meeting was well attended, and WCRC staff addressed various questions. Additionally, the video, presentation, exhibits can be found under helpful links on the Werkner Road Project page. 

WCRC will hold an in-person public information meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6 pm, at the City of Chelsea Council Chambers, 311 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI. WCRC staff will begin with a 30-minute public comment period followed by an open house format for public engagement. 

Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: Subscribe for Road Updates. 

For any inquiries regarding this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327-6648 or [email protected]. 

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) conducted a Working Session on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during which valuable background information was provided on the refined scope of work to improve Werkner Road between Sibley Road and M-52 in Sylvan Township. The video and presentation from this session are available on the Werkner Road project page under helpful links. Please find the link to the project page here: Werkner Rd Project Page. 

WCRC will hold public information meetings on February 9th (virtual) and February 11th (in-person, open house) to provide further details on the project. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: Subscribe for Road Updates. 

Should you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327-6648 or via email at [email protected]. 

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) continues to refine the scope of work to improve Werkner Road between Sibley Road and M-52 in Sylvan Township. This project is driven by the need to address current road conditions and incorporates feedback from the public, particularly that from property owners along this primary county road.

Project Scope and Details

The proposed improvements on Werkner Rd are divided into two sections:

Section 1: Sibley Road to 1200 Feet North

• Mill and resurface the asphalt pavement
• Slightly widen the asphalt surface to accommodate the white edge line, while maintaining current 11’ lane widths
• No shoulder or drainage improvements, thereby greatly limiting tree removals

Section 2: 1200 Feet North to M-52

• Pulverize, shape, and compact the existing pavement
• Use this modified material as a base for new asphalt pavement
• Maintain current 11’ lane widths
• Improve shoulders by constructing 2’ paved + 2’ gravel or 2’ paved + curb
• Some tree removals are required; impacts are currently being assessed

Timeline and Environmental Considerations

Tree removals must be completed before April 1, 2026, to comply with environmental protection related to migratory bats. WCRC will inform adjacent property owners before any tree removals take place.

Public Meetings and Staying Informed

WCRC will hold public information meetings on February 9th (virtual) and February 11th (in-person) to provide more details on the project. WCRC will provide updates on the project’s dedicated page. Residents are encouraged to subscribe for email updates by visiting: https://www.wcroads.org/residents/subscribe-to-road-updates/

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327- 6648 or [email protected].

PROJECT: Werkner Road Project

WHEN: Virtual on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11 a.m.,  In-Person (Open House) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026,  at 6 p.m.

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

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

In-person: City of Chelsea Council Chambers, 311 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI

WHY: The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) will hold two public information meetings regarding the Werkner Road Project in Sylvan Township.

The virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. 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.

The in-person public meeting (open house) will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026,  at 6 p.m. at the City of Chelsea Council Chambers, 311 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI. 

CONTACT: If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327-6648, 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: 12/26/25

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is reconstructing Werkner Road, between M-52 and Sibley Road in Sylvan Township during the 2026 construction season.

The project includes reconstructing the roadway and widening for both paved and gravel shoulders. WCRC plans to pulverize (crush) the existing road surface and reuse the material as supplemental base for the new asphalt pavement. The project will also include forestry work.

Funding for this project is provided through the 2025–2028 Four-Year Countywide Roads and Non-Motorized Millage and Michigan Transportation Funds (MTF).

“Werkner Road’s pavement has reached the end of its service life and is in poor condition,” said Brent Schlack, P.E., Director of Engineering and County Highway Engineer. “This project will rebuild the roadway so it can continue to serve the community and will add wider shoulders to enhance safety.”

During construction, Werkner Road will be closed to traffic, and a posted detour will be in place. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses within the project limits.

The project is currently in the design phase. WCRC plans to host virtual and in-person public information meetings for the Werkner Road project in February 2026.

WCRC will send letters to residence within the project limits, post project updates online at wcroads.org and social media. Residents can subscribe to project updates and road work advisories here.

For specific questions on this project, contact Aaron Berkholz, Assistant Director of Engineering, at (734) 327-6648 or [email protected].

Picture above is the pavement (poor condition) on Werkner Rd between M-52 and Sibley Rd in Sylvan Twp.

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.