Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority Secures $200,000 Grant for Fourth Avenue Transit Improvements

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, known as TheRide, has successfully secured a $200,000 grant aimed at enhancing the Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements project. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving TheRide, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission. The grant is part of the Shared Streets and Spaces program, which focuses on improving urban infrastructure. Notably, the Ann Arbor DDA has also received an additional $200,000 grant through this program, resulting in a total funding of $400,000 for the project.

Gretchen Johnson, Senior Project Manager at TheRide, expressed gratitude towards Governor Gretchen Whitmer for acknowledging the significance of this project within the Shared Streets and Spaces program. Johnson stated, "TheRide, along with the DDA and Housing Commission, is excited about this funding, which will facilitate essential street improvements and promote equity in the area."

The Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements project aligns with the DDA’s People-Friendly Streets initiative, which was launched in 2018. This multi-agency collaboration aims to enhance the safety and overall experience for transit passengers while also supporting affordable housing and improving infrastructure that prioritizes people in Ann Arbor. The project is designed to encourage transit usage and bolster affordable housing initiatives at 350 S. Fifth Avenue, a proposed redevelopment site located on a nearby city parking lot. Plans include reconstructing Fourth Avenue to enhance its usability and accessibility for all users.

Although the grant will not fully cover the total project costs, it will be instrumental in funding enhancements such as the addition of bus lanes, widening of sidewalks, improvement of bus shelter areas, and various utility, roadway, and streetscape upgrades. Construction is expected to commence in 2026. This initiative is recognized as part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Environmental Justice Priority Area and is identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an Area of Persistent Poverty, highlighting its vital importance in promoting equality and accessibility within the community.

Shelby Fergon, Planning Specialist and Project Manager at the Ann Arbor DDA, remarked, "The additional funding from the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program will significantly aid us in achieving our objectives of enhancing safety and comfort for transit users, thereby fostering a downtown environment that is inclusive and welcoming for everyone."