ANN ARBOR, MI - The city is gearing up to install its first protected two-way bike lane this spring.

On William Street between State and First streets, crews will install bike lanes that may be lined with bollards, according to Maura Thomson, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) spokesperson.

Designs were still being finalized, but the city aims to install protective devices that can easily be removed for major events, such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The installation is expected take 12 to 16 weeks, Thomson said.

The DDA is working with the city and public works department to determine ways to maintain the lanes and have snow cleared during winter.

“Our hope is this is the first in a network of protected bike lanes,” Thomson said.

The transformation is part of the DDA’s People Friendly Streets project, which also includes transformational projects on Huron Street, First Street and Ashley Streets.

The Huron project, between Third and Division streets, will begin this spring and includes enhancements to bikeways, sidewalks, crosswalks, streetlights, utility, landscaping and infrastructure. On-street parking during off-peak hours was also an idea proposed to the Michigan Department of Transportation, which maintains Huron Street.

The First and Ashley project involves converting each one-way street to two-way traffic. Additionally, the DDA is looking at adding a two-way bike lane on the east side of First Street from Kingsley Street to William Street in 2020.