DETROIT – Starting early next year, orange barrels will line a nearly 13-mile stretch of I-94 between I-275 and Michigan Avenue, impacting several cities, including Romulus, Taylor, Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale, and Dearborn.
The Restore 94 project is expected to last three years and includes reconstructing and realigning the roadway, improving drainage, replacing and widening bridges, and reconstructing ramps.
Read: Everything to know about upcoming construction on 13-mile stretch of I-94
“We’ve been putting band-aids on areas that require major surgery. Now that funding is available, we can finally get that surgery done,” MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross said.
Two lanes will remain open on I-94 in each direction during the construction; however, MDOT warns there could be occasional interruptions to that.
MDOT hosted open houses Thursday (March 27) on the construction project in Romulus and Allen Park to provide residents with more information.
Fred, an Allen Park resident, shared his thoughts on the project.
“It’s going to be a good thing, but it’s going to take a while,” he said.
Residents living near I-94 and Pelham Road will have the opportunity to decide if a sound barrier will be installed to block interstate noise.
“I’ve lived on this street for over 40 years, and it just keeps getting louder,” Dearborn Heights resident Lynel Wilson shared.
At the Allen Park meeting, some residents and drivers attended to ensure that the construction project isn’t just a short-term fix
“The inconvenience is one thing, but it’s the ongoing inconvenience that concerns us. It’s not like we’re solving any problems. We fix this, and we’ll be back in ten years to fix it again,” Dearborn Heights resident Randy Hill said.
Access to the Detroit Metro Airport will be maintained throughout construction.
The Wayne County Airport Authority collaborates with MDOT on construction projects that impact airport traffic,
“Our top priorities are always safety and a positive customer experience. At the appropriate time, the Airport Authority and MDOT will determine the best way to communicate with DTW customers to ensure they’re aware of the project,” said Erica Donerson, the Wayne County Airport Authority vice president of Communications & External Affairs, in a statement.
Restore 94 construction cost is currently estimated to be $353 million.
The project has both federal and state funding, with federal funding being the primary source.
For more information and updates on the project, visit the Restore 94 website.
