The City of Ypsilanti and Washtenaw Area Transportation Services are collaborating to explore the possibility of changing sections of Lowell Street and North Huron River Drive from one-way to two-way traffic. This would also include a shared-use path to bridge the Ypsilanti Corridor of the Border to Border Trail.
The City of Ypsilanti website states, “The planning process will be informed by both technical analyses, including safety analysis, traffic simulation, and operational evaluation, as well as qualitative input from neighbors, stakeholders, and the broader community. Study options will be evaluated to help define a long-term vision for Lowell Street, Huron Street, and the Border-to-Border Trail connection.”
The affected areas are Lowell Street and Huron Street, which go in opposite directions, between Leforge and Forrest Avenue, says a planning presentation. The project may also improve connections between Frog Island Park and Huron River Drive, the planning presentation says.
If approved, this project could have a significant impact on Eastern Michigan University students, faculty and guests. As stated in the planning presentation, 75% of the residents in the study area are under the age of 25. Huron Street and Lowell Street are intersected by Jarvis Street, which leads into East Circle Drive: home to Judy Sturgis Hill, Downing Hall and the Pray-Harrold building at EMU. Students leaving campus on Lowell Street can currently only turn right, but this proposal would allow traffic to go both ways.
Community members can share their input throughout the summer, and if a consensus is reached to start construction, it is estimated to begin in 2029 or 2030, said a Facebook post by the City of Ypsilanti.
There will be an open house for community members to learn more about the proposal and to give their feedback. The open house will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at the Arbor Brewing Company Corner Brewery at 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti.
The City of Ypsilanti's website states, “The open house format allows attendees to arrive at any time between 5 pm and 7 p.m. to review materials and provide feedback at their own pace.”
Anyone hoping to have their voices heard about the traffic change is welcome to take this community input survey.
