Two road construction projects begin on I-94 in western Washtenaw County Friday
Drivers on I-94 in western Washtenaw County can expect to see construction barrels starting Friday as two projects get under way.
The work stretches from the Jackson/Washtenaw county line east to Parker Road near the village of Dexter. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the projects - which total $17.3 million - are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The first project stretches from the county line east to Freer Road near Chelsea. MDOT says that project involves resurfacing 6.6 miles of pavement, along with ramp improvements at Kalmbach Road, Pierce Road (Old US-12), and the M-52 interchange. Work is expected to wrap up by the end of October.
The second project will last two years and will occur between Freer Road and Parker Road. The work starting Friday involves shoulder widening and reconstruction, along with ramp improvements at Fletcher Road and the rest area off eastbound I-94. Next year, the 5.5-mile stretch of I-94 will be resurfaced, along with guardrail upgrades and drainage improvements, MDOT says.So what can drivers in the area expect?
MDOT says one lane will be maintained in each direction on I-94 at all times. On weekdays, single-lane closures will occur between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. On weekends, single-lane closures are expected starting at 8 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday.
No lane closures are planned during holidays or special events like home football games at the University of Michigan and race weekend at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.


Certain ramps will be closed, and traffic will be detoured for a total of 21 days for reconstruction.
For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures.


Comments
Sam Nead
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 1:22 p.m.
@KJMClark: Hazardous is right. After heavy rains, many sections of M-52 have standing water due a trenching effect in the lanes where tire traffic runs. Add freezing temps in the winter and you get frozen water due to poor drainage. I do remember extensive surveying along this stretch last year with talk of straightening out the confusing four-way stop in Manchester. That corner is a mess for the amount of traffic it gets.
KJMClark
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 10:52 a.m.
I agree with Geakz on M-52. We went from M-52 to I-94 this weekend and my wife said "Why are they working on 94? M-52 needs repair much more than I-94 does." The only thing we could think of is that interstates get priority over Michigan routes. That also explains the bombed-out section of Barton Dr. just east of Pontiac. The interstate has to be smooth as glass before we get around to fixing lesser roads, even if the lesser roads are hazards.
Barb
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 9:35 a.m.
Gah, me too! And the A2-Saline entrance ramp as well!
Sam Nead
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 8:16 a.m.
Yep, it'll be a mess but my spine and I will be glad when the bone jarring ride on I-94 comes to an end. Any improvements to the on/off ramps will be welcome too. What REALLY needs fixing is M-52 between Chelsea and Manchester! That stretch is brutal.
Patricio
Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 8 a.m.
Gah! This is gonna kill my commute! But I suppose it's necessary.