For the Daily University students and Ann Arbor residents who regularly walk down State Street may notice something different this spring. In front of the Museum of Art, construction has recently sprung up on the east lane of State Street. The bulk of the work will be done before the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July. State Street blockage will be at its worst during this time period. The replacement was necessary due to salt and water damage.
Salt corrodes the tunnel, causing it to rust.
These conditions mixed with de-icer, other chemicals and constant pressure from the weight of automobiles has further rusted the tunnel and eroded it to its current condition. These tunnels are used for utility purposes such as heating, water and electricity in all University buildings and residence halls on central campus. When the Art Fair comes to town, all fencing will be taken down and State Street will be temporarily cleared, allowing two-way traffic and sidewalks on both sides of the street. After the Art Fair, construction will resume and the latter half of the project, installing a new tunnel and reconnecting it to the system, will be finished. After the tunnels are reconnected, State Street is expected to be smoother, with the possibility of reopening both lanes.