Summer Construction Heats Up at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

It is almost the official start of Summer, and in Michigan, the hot and sunny weather would not be complete without a daily dosage of road construction. The harsh winter climate in the mitten state destroys pavement, forcing the state to hire construction workers to repair damage during the three months of the year when the weather is most tame. The latest local construction project could leave those looking to travel to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport needing some extra time to make sure they aren’t stuck in a sea of orange cones when they should be boarding a plane.

Detroit Metro Airport is the only major hub for air transportation for much of southeast Michigan and its surrounding areas. Construction has already begun on Lucas Drive, which gives drivers access to rental car parking lots close to the airport. Additionally, construction began June 12, 2017 on Rogell Drive, which connects I-94 to the northern area of the airport campus, as mentioned by the Detroit Free Press. When drivers exit I-94 onto Merriman Road, it turns into Rogell Drive near the airport. And with, Wayne County Authority Officials saying that 75% of people visiting the airport arrive via Merriman Road from I-94, this latest construction development becomes a road bump for the majority of visitors to the airport this Summer.

Construction improvements to these areas include the creation of “new overhead signs that are easier to understand and will improve wayfinding to the terminals,” Kelly Ferencz, Airport Authority Deputy Director of Facilities Design and Construction, said in a news release. “We’re also reconstructing the entrance of our parking structure near the North Terminal, the Big Blue Deck.” Hopefully, these developments will help modernize the airport roads and keep travel safe for drivers.

While most of the construction is expected to finish before Thanksgiving in November 2017, Summer travels to the airport will definitely require some planning ahead. The Airport Authority recommends the following tips for those driving to the airport:

Detroit Metropolitan Airport Construction Travel Tips

  • Arrive early and allow extra time to navigate through the campus.
  • Utilize cell phone waiting lots and short-term parking to reduce congestion.
  • Use Middlebelt Road to access the rental car facilities.
  • Beginning on July 5th, there will be lane closures on Rogell Drive, which will cause “Arrive 275” to be put into effect. This means that drivers should use I-275’s Eureka Road exit to reach the McNamara Terminal of the airport.

Drivers should always be cautious around construction, as reduced speeds and increased congestion alter normal traffic patterns. Watching for road signs and being mindful of construction cones and barriers can help drivers avoid becoming involved in a car accident. In addition, paying attention to construction updates throughout the Summer can help drivers plan ahead for extra travel time. It is also important that travelers to the airport allot extra travel time because the stress of making flights on time combined with construction caused congested traffic, is a formula for creating road rage. By leaving for the airport an hour earlier than planned, jetsetters may be able to avoid an aggressive driving car crash. The last thing someone wants, is to be stuck in construction around Detroit Metro Airport while their flight to Hawaii takes off in the skies above them.


Construction changes normal traffic patterns, forcing drivers to slow down, making commutes longer, and bringing out road rage in aggressive drivers. Construction sites themselves are also dangerous and contain elements that may cause injuries if drivers are not paying attention to construction signage. If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic accident related to road construction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

I-94 at Detroit Metro Airport Construction

If you are somebody who enjoys months long construction, you've probably been enjoying the Detroit Metro Airport construction. This $9 million I-94 repair project began on Monday, June 13th. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) told WWJ Detroit that work along I-94 near the airport, between Telegraph and I-275 will continue through mid-November. 

The news station reported that nearly 11 miles of freeway and ramps in the Romulus and Taylor area are being repaired with resurfacing, concrete pavement, drainage work, and pavement markings. The majority of the workload takes place during overnight hours and full-time during the weekends. MDOT plans on working overnight on the westbound lanes of I-94, just west of Telegraph Road, 8 PM to 5 AM and around the clock on the weekends. 

MDOT has planned both single and double-lane closures on I-94 which may leave only one lane open. The main ramps which lead to the airport will stay open as often as possible through mid-August, when concrete repair work will force the ramps to close. 

To avoid any delays with this construction, MDOT is strongly advising drivers to use the I-275 and Eureka Road airport entrance. To follow all of this summer’s construction work and their impacts on your commute, check out MDOT’s Interactive Traffic Map


Nobody likes traffic, and nobody likes getting into an accident. While stuck in a standstill on the way home from work, drivers will try anything to speed up their commute time, including breaking the law. If you or somebody you know has been in an accident involving a driver who just had to run that red light or turn without signaling, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Injuries can be minor enough to leave a bruise or major enough to leave you unable to go to work. Whatever the case, our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.