Dexter Plans Major Broad Street Reconstruction for 2027
August 26, 2026 | Doug Marrin
A major reconstruction of Broad Street is planned for 2027, bringing new pavement, bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks and stormwater improvements to the corridor north of downtown Dexter.
Dexter City Council reviewed the preliminary design at its Aug. 24 meeting. The project covers Broad Street from Main Street to Third Street, although the type of work will differ by section.
From Main Street to Fifth Street, approximately 530 feet of Broad Street will receive a three-inch mill-and-overlay, resurfacing for the stretch of road. The existing roadway configuration will largely remain, including angled parking. Isolated curb repairs, ADA improvements and some driveway, travel lane and parking adjustments are also planned.
The more substantial work will take place from Fifth Street to Third Street, where approximately 860 feet of Broad Street will be completely reconstructed. The existing pavement will be removed and replaced with a new asphalt roadway, aggregate base, concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer and sidewalks.
Central Street in Dexter, whose roadway layout, including travel lanes, bike lanes and parallel parking, is being used as a model for the planned reconstruction of Broad Street. Photo by Doug Marrin.
The reconstructed section is planned to include 11.5-foot travel lanes, five-foot bike lanes, eight-foot parallel parking lanes and two-foot concrete curb and gutter. Parallel parking would be provided on both sides of the street.
The project will also change how stormwater is handled along the northern section of Broad Street. Existing ditch drainage from Fifth Street northward will be replaced with an enclosed storm sewer system, including catch basins and manholes. Stormwater improvements are also planned along Fourth Street and in the alley between Broad and Central streets.
Pedestrian improvements include new decorative concrete crosswalks at portions of the Broad Street intersections with Fifth and Fourth streets. The design calls for stamped concrete similar to decorative crossings already used elsewhere in downtown Dexter. Sidewalk repairs and ADA improvements are also planned, including work at the shopping center driveway near St. James. The idea is for this stretch of Broad Street is to replicate much of Central Street.
The city has been awarded $200,000 through the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study program and $420,000 through the Small Urban program, providing a total of $620,000 in grant funding toward the project. Federal Small Urban funding is intended for road and transit capital projects in qualifying communities.
The project is currently undergoing federal environmental and historical review. OHM Advisors anticipates receiving clearance in late 2026 or early 2027, allowing construction to begin in spring or early summer 2027.
More detailed construction dates, including accommodations for city events and holidays, are expected to be included in the project contract documents as the design progresses.
READ MORE