Title
Resolution to Complete the Central Section of the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail Between Fuller and Riverside Parks
Body
Whereas, The completion of a trail system along the Huron River valley through the string of city parks from Gallup to Barton has been master planned in the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) plans for decades, and the Ann Arbor river trail is now a major section of the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail through Washtenaw County, which connects to the state-wide Iron Belle Trail, which also connects to the nation-wide North Country National Scenic Trail;
Whereas, Three trail gaps still exist, including the central section gap that requires trail users to cross one of the busiest intersections within the city at Fuller and Maiden Lane;
Whereas, The Fuller and Maiden Lane intersection is also a vital link between north and south campuses and the volume of pedestrians and bikers crossing this intersection is among the highest within the city;
Whereas, The intersection is a vital link to the hospital and vehicle traffic volume is also among the highest in the city and projected to grow necessitating improved options for safe non-motorized travel in the area;
Whereas, Non-motorized travel improvements at this intersection would maximize the benefits across three separate demographic groups: students, hospital staff and recreational users;
Whereas, The city has been studying ways to improve this intersection for over a decade;
Whereas, Facilitating non-motorized travel supports the city goals of reducing the city carbon footprint, increasing sustainability, improving non-motorized transportation, including bicycling, walking, and wheel chair travel;
Whereas, An attractive and well-designed greenway trail along the Huron is a major recreational park amenity accessible to many users of all ages and abilities;
Whereas, Of the three incomplete sections of the B2B Trail in Ann Arbor, the congested central section has the greatest use and would provide greatly improved access and safety for non-motorized users as well as improving conditions for vehicular traffic;
Whereas, Major improvements continue to be made to the B2B Trail throughout Washtenaw County, including the University of Michigan's recent planned trail connection to Matthaei Botanical Gardens;
Whereas, The existing Maiden Lane, Fuller and E. Medical Center bridges were originally constructed to accommodate paved underpass pathways; and
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission has expressed interest in creating a subcommittee to better understand gaps in the Border-to-Border Trail in order to prioritize investment in potential connections as part of the needed update to the Parks Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to:
1) develop a design, in consultation with PAC and the Commission on Disability Issues, that will facilitate safe bicycle, pedestrian and wheelchair access through and/or around the intersections, crossing lanes, and driveways as well as on and off road bike lanes on Fuller Road, Maiden Lane and Medical Center Drive and identify elements suitable for near-term construction, and
2) establish the costs for constructing this section of the B2B Trail system; seek funding opportunities through discussion with the University of Michigan; and apply for appropriate grants to the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission and the State of Michigan, and
3) complete improvements to the Border to Border trail prior to, or concurrently with any improvements to the intersection of Fuller, Maiden Lane and Medical Center Drive; and
RESOLVED, That any future construction projects adjacent to the B2B Trail system maintain or enhance its continuity once the project is completed.
Sponsored by: Council Members Anglin, Eaton, Grand and Briere
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on June 15, 2015