News Summary
Livonia residents should prepare for significant construction starting January 6, 2024, as MDOT initiates a major bridge replacement project. The M-14 and Edward Hines Drive bridges will be replaced, causing closures and detours that will affect daily commutes. The project, expected to be completed by late 2025, aims to improve infrastructure and traffic flow in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about updates and plan for potential delays during this construction period.
Big Changes Ahead in Livonia: Major Bridge Replacement Project Kicks Off!
Attention, Livonia residents and travelers! Get ready for some significant construction as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has kicked off a major bridge replacement project that will impact your daily commute. Starting January 6, 2024, portions of Old M-14 (Ann Arbor Road) and Edward Hines Drive will see some major closures.
What’s Happening?
Two important bridges are set to be replaced: the M-14 bridge over the Middle Rouge River, which has been standing proud since 1925, and the Edward Hines Drive bridge over Ann Arbor Road, built way back in 1948. This project isn’t just about the bridges, either; it will include improvements at several key intersections and upgrades to the traffic signals in the area. Exciting, right?
Closure Details
As construction kicks off, here’s what you need to know about the closure specifics:
- Starting at 6 a.m. on January 6, 2024, Ann Arbor Road will close between Newburgh Road and Market Street (just west of Levan Road).
- If you’re heading east on Ann Arbor Road, your detour will take you north on Newburgh Road to east on Plymouth Road.
- For those going west, you’ll need to detour via westbound Plymouth Road to southbound Newburgh Road to get back to westbound Ann Arbor Road.
But wait, there’s more! The closure of Edward Hines Drive is set to begin in early spring 2024 between Newburgh and Wayne roads. This bridge replacement means the Edward Hines Drive bridge over Ann Arbor Road will also be demolished and rebuilt. And that’s not all! The shared-use path and pavement leading to the bridge will be updated as well.
Detour Routes for Edward Hines Drive
Planning on using Edward Hines Drive during this time? You’ll want to keep these detour routes in mind:
- Eastbound traffic will be redirected via northbound Newburgh Road, then eastbound on Ann Arbor/Plymouth Road, southbound on Farmington Road, and finally westbound on Joy Road.
- Westbound traffic will need to follow a different path: head east on Joy Road, north on Farmington Road, west on Ann Arbor/Plymouth Road, and south on Jughandle Road.
This may sound like a hassle, but it’s all part of making our roads safer and more efficient for everyone. So, whether you’re commuting to work, hitting up local shops, or just passing through, you might want to factor in some extra time for your travels during this construction period.
The Big Picture
The entire project is expected to be completed by late 2025, with further improvements planned later in 2025 at the intersections of Ann Arbor Road with Newburgh and Plymouth roads. While this may sound like a lengthy process, the end result will be updated infrastructure that better supports our growing community.
Stay Updated!
Keep an eye on local information channels for any updates regarding construction timelines and changes in detour routes. Your patience is appreciated as everyone works together to make Livonia roads safer and more efficient.
In the meantime, consider carpooling or exploring alternate routes to make your commute as smooth as possible. Safe travels, everyone, and let’s look forward to the improvements ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Garden City Residents Upset Due to Merriman Road Construction Delays
Residents of Garden City and Westland Face Long-Term Road Closure Woes
Locals Frustrated Over Extended Construction Project on Merriman Road
Granite & Kraemer Joint Venture Wins $113M Bascule Bridge Replacement Contract in Michigan
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Major Bridge Work in Livonia Starts in January
- Wikipedia: Bridge
- Michigan Department of Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Infrastructure
- Google News: Livonia Road Construction
