$353 million reconstruction of I-94 through area to begin this month
While motorists continue to endure snow, ice and generally freezing temperatures, the planned reconstruction of I-94 from Romulus to Dearborn will add another challenge to driving through the area.
The 3-year planned renovation of the interstate roadway by the Michigan Department of Transportation will begin at the end of the month, according to state officially. Work is scheduled to be complete in mid-2029, according to the state department website. Within the next few weeks, work crews will begin clearing and preparing the shoulders and medians of the highway for the traffic shifts necessary during the construction of 12.7 miles of the roadway. Romulus will be among the cities impacted along with several downriver communities.
Officials said one or two lanes of I-94 will remain open in each direction for during the project, while many ramp closures should be expected. Access to Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout construction, as will access to Gate 10 at the Ford rouge plant.
The construction project includes “rebuilding and realigning the roadway, concrete repairs/patching, bridge work, ramp work, lighting improvements, cable barrier work, improved drainage, Intelligent Transportation System upgrades and building an entirely new interchange at Ecorse Road,” and other improvements, according to the state transportation department website.
The project will include five segments, officials posted, including I-94 from Wayne Road to Middlebelt Road; I-94 from Middle Belt Road to Beech Daly Road; I-94 from Beech Daly Road to Pelham Road; I-94 from Pelham Road to Oakwood Boulevard and I-94/Schaefer Road Interchange.
The state is investing $353 million into the Restore I-94 project, and officials said the investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 2,986 jobs.
