Michigan’s Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) was awarded a $200,000 grant to help support the Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements project. 

TheRide is partnering with the Ann Arbor DDA, City of Ann Arbor, and Ann Arbor Housing Commission on this important initiative. The grant is part of the Shared Streets and Spaces program to improve infrastructure. 

The Ann Arbor DDA was also awarded an additional $200,000 grant through the program, bringing $400,000 total toward the project. 

The People-Friendly Streets Program 

The Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements project is part of the DDA’s People-Friendly Streets initiative that began in 2018. 

The goals of this multi-agency collaborative initiative are to enhance the safety and experience of transit passengers and operations, support affordable housing, and improve people-focused infrastructure in Ann Arbor. 

The project encourages transit use and supports affordable housing at a proposed redevelopment project on an adjacent city parking lot. The project plans to reconstruct Fourth Avenue to improve its usability and accessibility.

Leveraging Funding 

While this award will not entirely cover project costs, the funding can be leveraged for enhancements such as adding bus lanes, widening sidewalks, improving bus shelter areas, and completing various utility, roadway, and streetscape improvements. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. 

The project is a part of the MDOT Environmental Justice Priority Area and is recognized as a USDOT Area of Persistent Poverty, underscoring its critical role in addressing equality and accessibility in the community.

"The additional funding from the SSSG Program will help us achieve our goals of improving safety and comfort for transit users, which contributes to a downtown environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all," said Shelby Fergon, Ann Arbor DDA planning specialist.