As the fall term begins, students, faculty and staff have likely noticed construction fencing and work taking place on the Diag. These projects are part of a comprehensive effort to continue to provide the best experience possible for the community. 

The project includes three major components:

• Installing new brick pavers to keep the Diag at its best, including the iconic Block M.
• Preserving green spaces by improving drainage and tree health.
• Adding a new ADA-accessible ramp on the east side of Hatcher Library.

These upgrades represent U-M’s ongoing commitment to keeping university spaces both beautiful, welcoming, and safe for current and future generations of Wolverines. 

At this time, the brick paver replacement, drainage upgrades and tree improvements are expected to last through mid-September. 

Keeping the Diag’s walkways strong

New brick pavers are being installed to refresh and protect the heavily used walkways. This work will help keep paths safe and smooth for daily use while also preserving one of the most recognizable features on campus — the iconic Block M at the center of the Diag.

Improving drainage and tree health 

Another component of the project focuses on improving sidewalk drainage while supporting long-term tree health.

Flat sidewalks and lawns previously left behind puddles or ice after storms. To manage icy conditions, large amounts of salt were needed, which disrupted soil chemistry and damaged tree health. Years of heavy foot traffic also compacted the soil, limiting water and oxygen available to tree roots.

Rather than rely on traditional stormwater systems that would have required disruptive excavation, U-M’s Custodial and Grounds Services and Architecture, Engineering and Construction teams adopted alternative methods designed to balance community safety with long-term tree preservation, including:

• Air spading to loosen compacted soil and carefully expose root systems without causing damage.
• Sand-and-compost mixtures to support root health, with “Red Wiggler” earthworms introduced in some areas to naturally aerate soil.
• Catch basins as infiltration wells, allowing stormwater to soak back into the ground instead of being routed to storm pipes.
• Sidewalk adjustments to direct water into the new basins, with lighter construction equipment used to minimize further soil compaction.

Opening doors for everyone

A new ADA-accessible ramp is also being added on the east side of Hatcher Library to make the Diag more welcoming and easier to navigate. 

The upgrade will provide smoother access for community members who use wheelchairs or strollers or have mobility challenges, ensuring that one of U-M’s busiest spaces is easier for everyone to enjoy.

Tags:

• Architecture Engineering and Construction
• construction
• Diag
• Facilities and Operations