At a Glance: The I-275 Bridge Project

Local motorists are drawing up alternate routes for their commutes this month after a along Interstate 275 got under way.

Here is a look at the scope of the project, as provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT):

• MDOT began a $23.5 million investment to rehabilitate 34 bridges over I-275 between Hannan and Six Mile roads in the cities of Romulus and Livonia and the townships of Van Buren, Canton and Plymouth.

• The project includes:
  • Resurfacing 5.5 miles of northbound and southbound I-275 between Ecorse and Ford roads;
  • Reconstruction of Ecorse Road at I-275; and
  • Construction of a right-turn lane on US-12 (Michigan Avenue) from I-275 to Haggerty Road.

The bridges and overpasses include: Hannan Road over I-275; Tyler Road over I-275; I-275 over McClaughrey Drain (2); Ecorse Road over I-275; I-275 over Van Born (2); I-275 over Michigan Avenue (2); I-275 over Lower Rouge River (3); Palmer Road over I-275; I-275 over Fellows Creek (2); Cherry Hill Road over I-275; I-275 over Ford Road (2); I-275 over Tonquish Creek (2); Warren Avenue over I-275; I-275 over Koppernick (2); I-275 over CSX Railroad (2); Joy Road over I-275; Ann Arbor Road over I-275; Ann Arbor Trail over I-275; I-275 over Hines Drive (2); I-275 over Middle Rouge River (2); Plymouth Road over I-275 and Six Mile Road over I-275.

Here's how traffic will be affected:

Early April:

• Bridge construction (I-275 over local roads, railroads, drains and the river) will require around-the-clock freeway lane closures. Two lanes will be open in each direction during peak travel times; one lane will be open in each direction during overnight hours and weekends.
• Overpass construction (local roads above I-275) will require full closures of the local roads to expedite construction. To maintain local road mobility, construction will be staged so consecutive overpasses will not be closed at the same time.
• Construction north of Koppernick Road is expected to be completed by Labor Day. The remainder of the construction is expected to be completed by late November 2012.