News Summary
Livonia is set to begin a $21.5 million bridge reconstruction project on January 6, 2024, replacing aging bridges on Ann Arbor Road and Edward Hines Drive. The construction aims to improve traffic flow and safety, while temporary detours will be in place for drivers. The project will also include intersection rebuilding and drainage improvements, with completion expected by late 2025.
Livonia Gears Up for Major Bridge Reconstruction Project!
The city of Livonia is about to embark on an exciting journey of improvement as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) kicks off a significant bridge reconstruction project. Set to begin on January 6, 2024, this major endeavor will cost a whopping $21.5 million and is aimed at replacing two aging bridges that have served the community for decades.
What’s Being Replaced?
First up on the list is the bridge on Ann Arbor Road, which gracefully spans the Middle Rouge River. This bridge has been a fixture since it was built back in 1925—almost a century ago! The other bridge being reconstructed is located on Edward Hines Drive, which has been in place since 1948. Both of these structures have seen better days, and it’s time to breathe new life into them.
Heads Up, Drivers!
Mark your calendars! Ann Arbor Road will close starting at 6 a.m. on January 6 for bridge demolition and some much-needed intersection work. So, if you usually travel this route, it’s a good idea to plan for an alternate path. The detours are pretty straightforward:
- Eastbound traffic on Ann Arbor Road will be rerouted via northbound Newburgh Road to eastbound Plymouth Road.
- Westbound traffic will take a different route, diverting via westbound Plymouth Road to southbound Newburgh Road.
But that’s not all! Edward Hines Drive will also face some interruptions as it is set for major reconstruction in spring 2024. This will involve the stretch of Edward Hines Drive between Newburgh and Wayne Roads, meaning a bit of planning will go a long way for those traveling through the area.
What Else Can We Expect?
The reconstruction project will not only replace the two bridges but also entails rebuilding various intersections, which is fantastic news for anyone who’s ever sat in traffic around there. Plus, there will be updates to traffic signals, making your commutes smoother in the future!
Additionally, the stretch of Ann Arbor Road between Newburgh Road and Market Street will get a fresh coat of pavement along with drainage improvements, which sounds like a blessing for those rainy days.
Detour Details
As the project progresses, detours will be set up around Edward Hines Drive. If you’re heading east, plan to divert from Newburgh Road to Ann Arbor/Plymouth Road, then heading south on Farmington Road before finally branching out on westbound Joy Road. For those going west, your route will look a bit like this: start east on Joy Road, go north on Farmington Road, then west on Ann Arbor/Plymouth Road, and finally south on Jughandle Road. Clear as mud, right?
Keeping Pedestrians in Mind
For all the walkers and joggers out there, don’t worry—you won’t be left in the dust! A temporary bridge will be installed to ensure pedestrian access throughout the construction phase, allowing everyone to get where they need to go.
Projected Completion
As we look ahead, the entire bridge reconstruction project is expected to wrap up by late 2025. It’s a significant timeline, so make sure to equip yourself with a little extra travel time during this phase. Keep your eyes peeled for ongoing updates and stay informed about the latest developments. You’re going to want to stay in the loop!
In conclusion, while the construction might bring some hassles in the short term, it’s all for the greater good. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as Livonia looks forward to these much-needed improvements!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bridge Reconstruction Project in Livonia Set to Begin
Exciting Changes Ahead for Northville Township Roads!
Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Bridges
- Michigan Department of Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge
- Google News: Wayne County bridge reconstruction
