The I-94 Modernization Project is steadily making progress towards the reconstruction of nearly seven miles of the freeway and two interchanges, and rebuilding approximately 60 bridges.
We always get questions about the project and have included some of them here. Click on the questions below for responses, or Contact Us for more information.
The I-94 Modernization Project is intended to improve the safety and condition of the existing I-94 roadway, bridges and interchanges to support the mobility needs of interstate commerce and improve access in local neighborhoods. The project includes:
- Reconstruction of 6.7 miles of freeway between the I-94/I-96 interchange and just east of Conner Avenue.
- Rebuilding bridges and railroad overpasses.
- Reconstruction of several advanced bridges that are in poor condition are currently underway.
- New interchanges at I-94/M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and I-94/I-75.
- Elimination of left-lane exit and entrance ramps.
All users of I-94 will benefit from improved safety, the updated roadway design and enhanced neighborhood connectivity. New overpass designs will accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. In addition, MDOT is studying a series of modifications to the original freeway design approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2005. These may have the potential to improve local connectivity and mobility for the residents of Detroit by:
- Making better use of existing city streets as local connections instead of building new, continuous service drives adjacent to the freeway as proposed in the original plan.
- Modifying local access ramps to and from I-94, M-10, and I-75.
- Adding Complete Streets bridges to provide multi-modal access, making them user-friendly for cars, bikes and pedestrians with wider walkways/paths separated from traffic and landscaping.
MDOT will be researching innovative contracting methods to accelerate the rebuilding of I-94. Until recent revisions to the project design and plans are approved, we won’t know the exact cost or timeline.
Federal regulations requires that dollars allocated to highway projects not be re-assigned to other modes of transportation. However, I-94 is an important part of the region’s transportation network and the proposed improvements will provide enhancements for all modes, including pedestrians, bikes, buses and cars. MDOT is a multi-modal transportation agency and has a history of investing in other modes of transportation from transit (including the QLINE in Detroit) and rail to nonmotorized facilities and aeronautics.
Yes, MDOT has prepared a Draft SEIS (DSEIS) to address:
- Using existing roads as local connections to the service drives and interchanges
- Developing local access ramp modifications to and from I-94 at M-10 (Lodge Freeway) and I-75
- Converting some existing pedestrian bridges to Complete Streets that can accommodate all modes of transportation
Proposed modifications to the freeway design, approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2005, were presented to the public at MDOT-hosted open houses in Detroit. Additional input was gathered from people living in and around the project area at a series of resident roundtable community meetings. After publication of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, two public hearings were held in October 2019 to present the findings of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and to obtain public input/feedback.
Yes. Bike lanes are proposed on multiple local bridge crossings over I-94 in support of the Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan created and maintained by the City of Detroit.
Disruption of traffic in construction areas will be minimized as much as possible. A public information campaign will be implemented to inform I-94 users of construction schedules, ramp closings, alternate routes, and other matters affecting their travel in and through construction zones. MDOT will also make efforts to:
- Utilize Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) facilities to inform motorists of current conditions and identify alternate travel routes.
- Coordinate with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transit (SMART), first responders and other agencies.
- Limit the duration of ramp closings as much as possible and ensure that adjacent ramps will not be closed at the same time.
- Construct street connectors and bridges carrying local traffic over I-94 in advance to provide local access while the mainline freeway is under construction.
MDOT will maintain the landscaping within MDOT right of way. Landscaping provided on the local street bridges will be maintained by the City of Detroit.
Federally funded projects designed to benefit the public often need to acquire private property to be developed. This sometimes results in the need to relocate homes or businesses. The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement includes a conceptual relocation plan discussing the number and types of property impacts. If impacted, area residents and businesses will be contacted by MDOT directly; beware of scams.
To ensure property owners and tenants are treated fairly, equitably and receive relocation assistance, the Uniform Act was enacted by Congress in 1970. To find out more about the relocation and real estate acquisition process and your rights and benefits, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/rightsbenefits_25499_7.pdf.
Yes. To date, MDOT has participated in meetings with stakeholders in Midtown and downtown, and with stakeholders throughout the project corridor, to listen to and discuss their ideas, thoughts and concerns to ensure the project aligns with their current and future needs. In addition, MDOT is using updated traffic data and modeling and is working with the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to develop traffic projections that consider population, planned development and employment growth in the region.
In the original I-94 freeway design, approved in 2005 by the Federal Highway Administration, impacts were identified for the following historic properties/areas:
- United Sound Systems Recording Studios
- Square D/Detroit Fuse and Manufacturing Co. building
- Woodbridge Neighborhood Historic District
- I-94/M-10 interchange
An updated evaluation of historic resources along the corridor is included in the DSEIS.
MDOT will continue to coordinate with United Sound Studio Recording Studios to discuss options. No final decisions have been made at this time.
The project may include the installation of traffic noise barriers. These were deemed necessary in three locations in the originally approved in the 2005 I-94 project design. The traffic noise study was updated for the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The updated analysis shows the need for one barrier in the northeast quadrant of the I-94/M-10 interchange. Barriers are indicated where appropriate, effective and consistent with FHWA and MDOT policies and procedures.
Following is a summary of the current proposed plan for the bridges within the project corridor, please see the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for more details.
Proposed New Connections:
- I-94:
- Hastings Street
- Iron-Belle Trail near Conner Avenue
- M-10:
- None
- I-75:
- Harper Avenue
Pedestrian Bridges Proposed to Become Complete Streets Bridges:
- I-94:
- Helen Street
- Townsend Street (existing)/Sheridan Street (proposed)
- Seminole Street (existing)/Iroquois Street (proposed)
- Rohns Street
- Springfield Street (existing)/Lemay Street (proposed)
- M-10:
- Selden Street
- Merrick Street
- Holden Street
- I-75:
- None
Proposed Removal:
- I-94:
- Brooklyn Street pedestrian bridge (removal required to allow for modernization of the I-94/M-10 interchange)
- Third Street bridge (removal required to allow for modernization of the I-94/M-10 interchange)
- U-turn bridge west of Mt. Elliott Street (not needed due to the proposed upgraded bridges at Mt. Elliott Street and Lucky Place, as well as the new proposed two-way Harper Avenue)
- M-10:
- None
- I-75:
- Piquette Avenue (This bridge will be replaced with a new bridge connection at Harper Avenue)
- Conrail/Norfolk Southern Railroad (inactive railroad bridge, no longer needed)
Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. A community connector is a bridge crossing over the freeway designated for pedestrian, nonmotorized and vehicular traffic. Potential locations for enhanced community connectors are Second Avenue and Conner Avenue.
No. One of the most important goals during project construction will be the safe maintenance of traffic and local access. To meet that goal, MDOT will make every effort to create a schedule for rebuilding the bridges that will minimize disruptions while maximizing safety for all I-94 users.
The freeway lanes, ramps, and many overpasses do not meet current and best practice standards for safety. Removal of left-lane ramps will address freeway entrance and exit safety by meeting federal design standards.
The final plan for the freeway will be presented upon completion of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and submittal/approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead agency and will issue the final approval for the project in the form of a Combined Final SEIS (FSEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) report. The Combined FSEIS and ROD will include responses to stakeholder comments on the Draft SEIS, the approved selected alternative, explain the reasons for the project decision, summarize any mitigation measures that will be incorporated into the project, and document any required Section 4(f) approval. Once completed, MDOT and FHWA will publish the Combined FSEIS and ROD for public review.
All comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) will be considered and responded to in the final document. Comments can be submitted:
- At community meetings. Meeting dates and locations will be listed on the I-94 website and invitations will be distributed via e-mail, U.S. Mail and/or through community outreach.
- Electronically: [email protected]
- On social media: Facebook - i94Detroit, Twitter - @i94Detroit.
- By U.S. Mail:
- Terry Stepanski
P.E. Senior Project Manager
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
- Terry Stepanski
For more information, contact the I-94 project team at 313-240-1014.
We understand that any proposed solution to the region’s transportation needs must address issues and concerns from many stakeholders, including the affected community. The project team will continue to engage the community throughout the development of the project to provide project information and gather input from those impacted by and/or interested in the project. Comments can be submitted:
- At community meetings. Meeting dates and locations will be listed on the I-94 website and invitations will be distributed via e-mail, U.S. Mail and/or through community outreach.
- Electronically: [email protected]
- On social media: Facebook - i94Detroit, Twitter - @i94Detroit.
- By U.S. Mail:
- Terry Stepanski
P.E. Senior Project Manager
Michigan Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
- Terry Stepanski
For more information, contact the I-94 project team at 313-240-1014.