Construction Alert: I-94 Getting Major Overhaul

MICHIGAN — A key stretch of I-94 in Metro Detroit is about to undergo a massive makeover in a transformation that may take several years to complete.

The Michigan Department of Transportation said the overhaul, which is still in the planning stages, is well overdue, saying there’s rust and cracking on the pavement.

The proposed project is seven miles long between Connor Street and I-96 throughout Detroit. The stretch was built in the 1950s, according to a report by WDIV.

MDOT officials said the project could start in the early 2020s. The details on if it would be a complete closure haven't been determined, but alternate routes would be updated before the reconstruction started, officials said.

New pavement, drainage, lighting and utilities are included. There are 67 deteriorating bridges along the span and they're also included in the project. The plans would expand the highway to make it safer, adding a shoulder and easier freeway entrance ramps.

There would also be protected bike lanes, WDIV reported.

Recent major overhauls, including on I-96, I-75 and I-696, have taken between one and two years. It’s unclear when the I-94 project would be done.

The exact cost has not yet been released.

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