ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A notorious curve on Interstate 94 near Jackson Road in Ann Arbor has become a focal point of safety concerns after three serious semi-truck crashes occurred at the location this month.
Local 4 analyzed five years of crash data and found nearly 300 accidents have occurred along this stretch since 2020, with the majority happening during winter months and in westbound lanes.
“That turn at 94 and Jackson is the worst stretch of 94 in Washtenaw County,” Ann Arbor Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said. “It’s also the number one spot that we have crashes in the city of Ann Arbor. Tragically, we had a firefighter killed there in 2006. So, this has been a problem going on two decades now.”
The recent string of crashes began Sept. 2 when a multi-vehicle accident involving a truck carrying sparkling grape juice shut down both directions of I-94 for four hours.
Three people were injured in the incident. Investigators believe speed was a factor.
The following day, a semitrailer hauling steel coils veered off the eastbound lanes and crashed into the tree line.
The driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries as steel coils broke loose and scattered across the freeway.
Most recently, on Sept. 22, a gravel hauler jackknifed and rolled over on the eastbound lanes.
Investigators say the last two crashes happened during rainy conditions, which likely played a role.
Crash Data Reveals Patterns
Analysis of crash data from 2020 through 2024 shows:
- 56% of crashes occurred in westbound lanes
- January and December saw the highest frequency of incidents
- 66% were single-vehicle crashes
- Most accidents happened between 8-8:59 p.m.
- Road conditions were dry in 41% of crashes and wet in 20%
MDOT Taking Action
The Michigan Department of Transportation is addressing the safety concerns by applying a high-friction surface treatment to help vehicles maintain better road grip, especially during wet weather conditions.
“MDOT officials prioritize safety and will continue to monitor the interchange. Currently, a high-friction surface treatment is being completed on the curve of the ramp, helping to reduce lane departure during rain and snow events,” said Aaron Jenkins, a MDOT spokesperson for the University district.
The improvement project is currently underway, with westbound lanes scheduled for completion by Sept. 28 and eastbound lanes by Oct. 12, weather permitting.
Kennedy reminds drivers to still slow down and, if they can, use a safer on-ramp.
“First and foremost, if it’s wet conditions, slow down and on that turn, even under dry conditions, really slow down,” Kennedy said.