Detroit is on the Move: Major I-94 Reconstruction and New Drainage Tunnel Coming Soon!
Exciting news for the Motor City! Detroit is gearing up for some serious improvements along the I-94 freeway, with plans that promise to make our roads safer while tackling a nagging issue: flooding.
All About the Drainage Tunnel
First things first, let’s talk about that tunnel. But don’t get too excited—this isn’t for cars, trucks, or SUVs. Instead, this new structure is a drainage tunnel designed to handle stormwater more effectively. According to Adam Wayne, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Senior Project Manager, this tunnel is one of the “critical pieces” that must be in place before any roadwork can kick off.
The construction of the tunnel is slated to begin in 2026, paving the way for the road and bridge work to commence between 2028 and 2029. Located approximately 50 to 80 feet underground, the tunnel will feature a diameter of 14½ feet and is aimed at capturing and managing stormwater from surrounding roadways and service drives.
Why Is This Important?
With Detroit experiencing increased flooding during heavy storms, this new structure is anticipated to dramatically reduce the stormwater discharge that gets sent to the Conner Creek Combined Sewer system. Wayne mentions that this project is projected to cut that runoff by a whopping 82%!
Flooding is no small issue for Detroit residents, especially in neighborhoods located near the freeways. The city’s Stormwater Ordinance has played a key role in driving this project forward, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure to handle heavy rain events.
Getting Community Input
Before diving into the construction, MDOT is eager to share its plans with the locals. An in-person community meeting will be held on Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wayne County Community College District’s Eastern Campus, located at 5901 Conner Ave. This is a great opportunity for residents to ask questions, express concerns, and offer feedback about the upcoming changes in their area.
What Comes Next?
It’s important to mention that this tunnel is just one piece of a much larger project. The section of I-94 being worked on—from Burns (just west of Gratiot) to Barrett Avenue (just east of Conner)—is expected to cost between $540 million and $570 million. In fact, the total estimated cost for the entire I-94 modernization project exceeds $3 billion! But, getting funding for the complete project remains a bit tricky, as the finances haven’t been finalized yet.
Bridges and Roads
Additionally, this stretch will undergo significant enhancements, including the reconstruction of seven bridges and the addition of one new bridge specifically for nonmotorized traffic near Conner—all aimed at improving access for bikers and pedestrians along the Iron Belle Trail.
Although there has been some debate over the highway’s planned expansion from three to four lanes, MDOT plans to keep the highway’s current footprint. Retaining walls will replace sloped hillsides, allowing for better traffic flow without drastically altering the landscape.
Staying Informed
Detroit residents can expect to see traffic management strategies during the construction aimed at keeping two lanes open in each direction. Cautious closures will only happen as needed—gamification of utility work and similar maintenance.
Wayne and MDOT spokesperson Rob Morosi assure that past bridge work, like the innovative Second Avenue Bridge, which was successfully relocated in 2022, sets the stage for the upcoming work on I-94, which has been in the planning stages for years.
As Detroit gears up for these vital infrastructure upgrades, the community remains hopeful for a future with less flooding and safer roads. So, mark your calendars for that community meeting, because your voice matters!
