Wayne County’s Merriman Road Set to Reopen After Lengthy Closure
Wayne County, get ready to celebrate! Commuters have been eagerly awaiting this moment—the long-awaited reopening of Merriman Road. After months of frustrating detours and delays, the road is finally set to welcome back traffic, much to the relief of residents and local businesses alike.
A Closure That Lasted All Too Long
The closure, which began way back in January 2023 for crucial bridge repairs, was originally scheduled to wrap up by fall 2023. But as we often see with construction projects, things didn’t go quite as planned. The discovery of a sanitary line running parallel to Merriman Road forced the construction crew to hit the pause button and head back to the drawing board.
“We had to redesign part of this project to ensure we didn’t mess with that sewer line,” explained Scott Cabauatan, the Deputy Director of Public Services. “Our goal is to avoid causing future issues, which is why this has been such a delicate undertaking.”
Impact on Local Businesses
Businesses in the vicinity have certainly felt the pinch during this extended closure. The Handy Mart, located just south of Warren Road, faced a significant drop in customers. Store manager Jeff Kassab lamented, “I know it as the day they screwed my business over. It’s been tough without the usual traffic. No new faces because there’s no traffic here; it’s just dead.”
But with the reopening around the corner, Kassab is ready to turn things around. “We’re ready! I’ve got three people on call to bring them back to work so we can get busy again,” he said enthusiastically. He’s even planning special deals to entice old customers to return—none other than a buy one, get one free offer on the iconic pepperoni rolls!
Looking Towards the Future
As construction crews dot the landscape, adding the final touches to the road and bridges, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The Wayne County Department of Public Services is optimistic about the impact the reopened Merriman Road will have on local commerce.
“We appreciate the patience of the community during this lengthy process,” Cabauatan said, acknowledging the frustration experienced by both residents and business owners. “I know this has been a tough time.”
Reopening Soon!
So, mark your calendars! Merriman Road is poised to reopen soon, and businesses like the Handy Mart are rolling out the welcome mat and looking to reclaim their loyal customers. “Come on back down! Buy one, get one free pepperoni roll right up when the bridge is done,” Kassab announced with a smile.
This reopening is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s a revival for local shops and a reestablishing of community connection in Wayne County. Drivers can expect to see a smoother ride, improved traffic signals, and of course, the familiar sights of local businesses welcoming back their valued customers.
So here’s to Merriman Road! Cheers to new beginnings, busy streets, and local spots we all missed. Let’s drive on over and show our support as this essential artery reopens for business!
