Downtown Dexter Connection
Project Overview
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC), in partnership with the City of Dexter and Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative, is taking another major step toward completing the Border to Border (B2B) Trail with the construction of a new shared-use trail connecting Miller-Smith Preserve to downtown Dexter.
After a few years of planning and engineering, the construction project kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 14 which included staff from County Parks, HWPI, and the City of Dexter as well as residents and trail enthusiasts attending. Construction is expected to be substantially complete by late fall 2026.
This nearly one-mile trail extension will continue the existing B2B Trail between Chelsea and Dexter, completing the link on the eastern side of the corridor. Once complete, only one remaining segment – 1.4 miles from Dancer Road to Lima Center Road – will be needed to complete this portion of the regional trail network. The project is also part of Michigan’s statewide Iron Belle Trail, creating additional opportunities for walking, running, biking, and outdoor recreation.
The new trail will include:
-Nearly a mile of non-motorized shared use trail from the Miller/Smith Preserve (just west of Parker Road) to the City of Dexter.
-Two timber boardwalks
-New pedestrian crossing at Dexter-Chelsea Road featuring Rectangular Rapid Flashing
Beacons (RRFBs) to improve pedestrian safety
-300’ pedestrian bridge over Mill Creek, which will utilize the 130 year restored historic Bell Road Bridge for the crossing of Mill Creek.
-Connection into the City of Dexter’s Mill Creek Pathway Trail network and into downtown Dexter.
-Complete restoration of all disturbed areas and plant some native trees and shrubs.
Project Timeline
The Contractor intends to commence work in mid-May 2026 and the project is scheduled to be substantially completed by late fall of 2026.
Construction Area
Construction began at Miller-Smith Preserve, located just west of Parker Road, on the north side of Dexter-Chelsea Road. The trail will cross Dexter-Chelsea Road before continuing south across Mill Creek and connecting with the City’s existing Mill Creek Pathway.
Investment in Regional Recreation
The project represents an investment of approximately $3.5 million and is funded through the Washtenaw County Parks Trail Millage, contributions from the Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative, grants secured through the partnership, and support from the City of Dexter.
What to Expect During Construction
Most construction activities are occurring away from Dexter-Chelsea Road, resulting in minimal impact to traffic. When work is required near the roadway, temporary lane control and flaggers will be used to safely manage traffic. Some utility work may occur during construction, and utility providers have coordinated with the project team to minimize disruptions. Most tree removals needed for the trail have already been completed. As part of the project’s restoration efforts, native trees and shrubs will be planted in late 2026 or early 2027.
Building for the Future
Contractors selected for the project were pre-qualified through the Michigan Department of Transportation, ensuring they have experience constructing large-scale trail, bridge, and pathway projects. This trail extension represents another significant milestone in creating a connected regional trail system that links communities, parks, natural areas, and destinations throughout Washtenaw County.
Contact Information
Questions concerning the project should be directed to:
-Primary Contact: Roy Townsend, Project Manager, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation,
phone: (734)-845-1903
email: townsendr@washtenaw.org
-Peter Sanderson, Project Manager, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation,
email: sandersonp@washtenaw.org
Follow the project at B2BTrail.org for construction progress updates.
734-971-6337 | parks@washtenaw.org | washtenaw.org/parks
Frequently Asked Questions:
The pathway construction will extend from the Miller/Smith Preserve on the north side of Dexter- Chelsea Road and then cross over to the south side of Dexter-Chelsea Road, before heading south and crossing Mill Creek. Then finally connecting to the City of Dexter’s Mill Creek Pathway Trail.
The pathway crosses the road at a location that meets the safety standards and permit requirements of the Washtenaw County Road Commission. It has good sight distance, push-button-activated flashing lights, and will be marked with signs before and at the crossing.
The estimated cost for these proposed construction projects is approximately $3.2M.
The project is funded with Washtenaw County Parks millage funds from the 4-year Road and Trail Millage approved in 2024; the City of Dexter; and our non-profit partner, the Huron Waterloo Pathway Initiative who has secured private funding through donations, a matching challenge, and various private grants.
The Contractors are pre-qualified by the Michigan Department of Transportation, which means they have experience doing such large-scale trail/ path and bridge projects.
The Contractor intends to commence work in mid-May 2026. The construction on the path will occur in the spring, summer and fall of 2026, and be completed by the late fall of 2026.
Yes, but the impact will be very minimal. Traffic will be maintained by use of flag control and temporary signage, as needed to accommodate work near the roadway. Most of this project is south of Dexter-Chelsea Road, and will have nearly no impact on traffic
Some utilities will have minor impacts by the proposed pathway construction. Utility owners have been informed of the proposed work. Plans have been prepared based on the location information provided by utility owners.
Yes. Some trees will be removed to accommodate the new pathway footprint and most of this tree removal work has already occurred. Additionally, replacement trees and shrubs are part of this project, and that work will occur later this fall or early in 2027.
Project Progress Gallery:
