Major Road Work Planned for I-275 in Wayne County To Start in May

The Michigan Department of Transportation has been working on multiple road projects to update the freeways throughout metro Detroit. 

For the past few years, construction has been travelers’ biggest woes. Trips Up North and to Ohio have been difficult with extended road work through Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. But the aging freeways need to be updated, said Rob Morosi, a spokesperson for MDOT. He says construction along I-75 will continue for the next few years, and the work is desperately needed. The freeway was built in the 1960s into the early ’70s, and it will be a “whole new freeway.”

“By the end of 2023 we’ll have everything rebuilt from just south of 59 down to Eight Mile, interchanges, modernized bridges replacing the new drainage system and a drainage tunnel from Eight Mile to 12 Mile,” he said. 

“By the end of 2023 we’ll have everything rebuilt from just south of 59 down to Eight Mile, interchanges, modernized bridges replacing the new drainage system and a drainage tunnel from Eight Mile to 12 Mile.” — Rob Morosi, Michigan Department of Transportation

Construction on I-94 through Wayne and Macomb counties will continue to impact drivers through the decade. “The 94 modernization … will start in 2023 and rebuild 94 from Connor all the way over to 96. These advanced bridges were selected for two reasons. One, they’re based on their condition. They needed to be replaced as soon as possible. These structures were built in 1954,” said Morosi.

Beginning this May, another major project is headed to I-275 in Wayne County. Travelers will see the freeway closed between Ford Road and Northline for roughly two years with other work lasting through at least 2025. The project will include repairs to 24 miles of road with at least 60 bridges being repaired. 

Morosi said just like I-94 and I-75, this particular highway hasn’t been reconstructed in nearly 40 years. “You’re taking the freeway that was built maybe in the late ’70s, early ’80s, probably mid-to-late ’70s and completely replacing it to give you another 35 to 40 years of uninterrupted mobility on a very heavily traveled commuter route.” 

To learn more about how construction will continue to impact your drive, head to MDOT’s interactive website to see a map of all current and future construction projects.