Commuters beware: Roadwork on the Southfield Freeway is set to put the brakes on traffic starting in late April. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a $15.5 million investment to revamp a nearly five-mile stretch of both northbound and southbound lanes on M-39 (Southfield Freeway), from just south of I-94 to Ford Road.
This major construction project promises to upgrade the roadway significantly, including concrete patching, milling, and resurfacing, pavement markings, cleaning of drainage systems, and repairs to barrier walls. Commuters should fully expect to experience continuous single-lane closures during the weekdays, with intensified double-lane closures planned for overnight and weekend periods. However, MDOT has guaranteed that at least one lane will remain open to prevent a total standstill, according to a report by FOX 2 Detroit.
The construction activity will roll out in phases, with an initial focus on the right lanes, including ramps and service drive and collector-distributor lanes neat I-94 and Michigan Avenue. Once these areas are upgraded, the crews are scheduled to switch to the left and center lanes. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s statement notes, "Once that work is completed through the entire project limits, crews will move to the left and center lanes, leaving the ramps open."
It's important to mark the calendar for ramp closures along this route between I-94 and M-153 (Ford Road), as these will occur when crew workers need to work near and on those ramps. Motorists ought to especially look out for the closure of the I-94 ramps, which MDOT states will be "announced before closing." Drivers are urged to plan and consider alternative routes to minimize disruptions to their daily travels.
While the construction may temporarily inconvenience those who travel on Southfield Freeway, it carries an economic silver lining. The MDOT project is expected to directly and indirectly support 220 jobs, adding a boost to the local economy. Details on this projection can be found in MDOT's release, which notes, "Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 220 jobs," as detailed by the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The construction is scheduled to commence on Monday, April 29, and is anticipated to continue into the fall. Motorists and residents can keep abreast of updates and changes to the construction schedule by periodically checking both the MDOT website and local news outlets for the latest information. With strategic planning and a bit of patience, Wayne County can look forward to a smoother, more efficient Southfield Freeway soon.
