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I-94 Modernization Project - Detroit

I-94 Modernization Project - Detroit

I-94 Modernization Project - Detroit

Why do this project?

Simply because it addresses a need. The I-94 modernization project will rebuild 7 miles of interstate from just east of Conner Avenue to just east of the I-96 interchange in Detroit. Designed in the 1940s and built predominately in the 1950s, this section of I-94 has never been rebuilt and is outdated for current traffic volumes and neighborhood mobility needs. This project will be built in segments and upgrades a heavily used commuter and commercial artery to improve safety and travel time reliability.

I-94 Modernization Study

Project amenities

In addition to bringing this stretch of I-94 up to modern design standards, work includes:

  • Adding a through-lane in each direction,
  • Replacing approximately 60 bridges,
  • Widening freeway shoulders,
  • Improving stormwater drainage,
  • Lengthening entrance and exit ramps and
  • Modernizing the I-94/M-10 (Lodge Freeway) interchange to remove outdated left lane exit and entrance ramps.

To reduce impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, the current design uses the existing street networks instead of building continuous service drives to improve local circulation while building retaining walls to fit expansions into the current freeway footprint.

Explore the project

A map showing the locations of the advanced bridges as part of the I-94 package one project from Burns Avenue to Barrett Avenue.

Package 1

Information regarding drainage tunnel, road, and bridge construction on I-94 between Burns Avenue and Barrett Avenue.

The I-94 rendering map showing segments 1 and 2.

Segment map

A visual map representation dividing the I-94 road, bridge and transportation network into distinct segments for planning purposes.

An I-94 complete Streets bridge concept rendering.

Design alternative

A proposed variation or option in the planning and design of a project, offering a different approach to the project's objectives.

At the base of the tunnel, crews wait on the train trolley to take them further inside to do work.

Drainage tunnel

 Proper drainage of the freeway not only ensures safety and mobility, but it also provides protection for adjacent neighborhoods. 

Advanced bridges

Starting in 2013, MDOT committed to replacing overpasses above I-94 ahead of rebuilding the interstate to maintain local community connections.

The advanced bridges were selected based on structural condition at the time and mobility options for neighborhoods. Most of these overpasses were originally built during the 1950s and have never been rebuilt.

View a complete list of advanced bridges

Small Business Enterprise Training Program

The I-94 Modernization Project Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Training Program is designed to maximize small business participation in the areas of design and construction, engineering, and inspection (CEI) on the project.

This initiative is part of MDOT's Small Business Program to provide small businesses the opportunity to gain necessary experience to sustain and obtain MDOT service prequalification.

Learn more about the SBE Training Program