Title
Resolution to Commence a Collaborative Planning Process between the University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor for the Rehabilitation, Widening, and Non-motorized Transportation Enhancement of the East Medical Center Bridge
Memo
Note: Staff is recommending a postponement of this item until February 21, 2023.
The City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan both recognize the strategic importance of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge for both local and regional populations.
The project area extends along East Medical Center Drive from Fuller Road to Cancer Center Drive.
Staff
Prepared by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Reviewed by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The East Medical Center Drive Bridge provides a vital link enabling the regional community to access medical services as a world class campus;
Whereas, The East Medical Center Drive Bridge serves as a primary artery enabling local nonmotorized residents to access needed services as well as connecting to area neighborhoods;
Whereas, The East Medical Center Drive Bridge serves as a connector enabling a highly skilled and internationally recognized staff to reach their employment centers;
Whereas, The East Medical Center Drive Bridge is in poor condition and requires rehabilitation work to return it to a state of good repair;
Whereas, Both the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan have adopted ambitious climate action plans - A2Zero and Planet Blue - that prioritize the reduction of vehicle miles traveled;
Whereas, The current condition of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge provides an opportunity for the City of Ann Arbor to address a community need in a manner consistent with its A2Zero stated policy;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan acknowledge that a proposed pathway underneath the bridge cannot be addressed at this time; and
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor seeks to prioritize the safety and accessibility of non-motorized users as expressed in our Vision Zero-based Comprehensive Transportation Plan;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approves collaborating with the University of Michigan to develop a design for the project that ensures the rehabilitation of the physical condition of the Bridge, a widening of the Bridge to better facilitate access to the Medical Center by both motorized and nonmotorized populations;
RESOLVED, That the City Council supports the widening of the East Medical Center Drive Bridge to accommodate a safe, path for nonmotorized users on both the east and west sides with a width of at least 13’ on the east and at least 10.5’ on the west side that are consistent with federal and state guidance;
RESOLVED, That designs for pedestrian and cycling crossing points will be consistent with practices that improve safety for these users;
RESOLVED, The City Council authorizes the City Administrator to expend $500,000 towards the estimated $2.05M project cost. The University of Michigan is contributing $1.505M towards the project;
RESOLVED, The City of Ann Arbor agrees that if the project cost comes in less that the estimated $2.05M the savings will accrue to the University of Michigan, and the City of Ann Arbor’s contribution will remain constant;
RESOLVED, If the actual cost of the project as determined by rebidding comes in higher than the estimated cost the parties must reconvene to determine a course of action; and
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to continue working with the Michigan Department of Transportation to acquire the necessary easement to build an east-west pathway connection under the East Medical Center Drive Bridge;
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on February 21, 2023