With poll: Study lists three Washtenaw County road projects as keys to revitalizing the state economy

“The physical condition of Michigan’s transportation system will play a significant role in determining how successfully the state’s economy will perform,” TRIP Director of Policy and Research Frank Moretti said in a statement. “Investments in transportation today would represent a critically important down payment for a stronger Michigan economy in the years to come.”

The list includes two projects to expand US-23 and the proposed Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail as numbers 10, 15 and 27 respectively. The Detroit River International Crossing Project ranked number one.

TRIP ranked the projects based on factors such as job creation, safety improvements, accessibility and mobility improvements and long-term improvements in the regional or state economy.

A plan to expand US-23 in Ann Arbor came in as Washtenaw County’s highest-ranking project and number 10 on the list. The $400 million project would expand the freeway from four to six lanes and replace a bridge.

The report estimated the project would create 4,400 construction jobs and provide access to Ann Arbor from the north. It said it would also provide north-south access from the state line to I-75 north of metro Detroit.

Widening US-23 in Washtenaw and Livingston counties also ranked high on the list at number 15. The project, at a cost of $152 million, would widen the freeway from four to six lanes from M-14 to the Washtenaw County line. The report said the expansion would create more efficient travel and attract and retain more business in the area.

The Ann Arbor-to-Detroit commuter rail came in at number 27 on the list. The report said the project would attract and retain a knowledge-based workforce by providing additional travel options for students, residents and workers. The plan would use existing Amtrak freight lines to connect the cities and cost $124 million.