23 Mile Road to close for months as bridge construction begins at Clinton River in Macomb Township

Macomb Township expects traffic congestion as construction begins on new 5-lane bridge over Clinton River

MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The start of a 6-month construction project in Macomb Township is just one week away, and it is expected to cause some frustration and headaches for drivers.

On Friday, Jan. 18, the township will begin prepping 23 Mile Road for a major construction project. The $3.8 million project will close the two-lane bridge over the Clinton River and reopen with a new five-lane bridge constructed in its place.

No one doubts the crumbling bridge is in need of repair, but the project will take some time. The road isn't scheduled to reopen until July. The entire project is slated to wrap up in August. That concerns local business owners.

"It is going to be a tough next 7 to 8 months," said Lazaros Stavrou, who owns the nearby Subway. "It is going to impact us dramatically."

Debra Louzon, of New Baltimore, said she is concerned for her daughter's business.

"My daughter owns a business down there, so we are kind of worried about how it's going to affect the business, too," she said.

The Macomb County Department of Roads will redirect the 18,500 vehicles which cross the 23 Mile Road bridge daily. The detour will send vehicles south on Card Road to 21 Mile Road to North Avenue and back to 23 Mile Road.

Macomb Township Supervisor Janet Dunn expects heavier congestion for school routes.

"We have probably five or six schools that while school is in session those busses that are traveling three or four times a day will certainly add congestion in the 24 Mile Road area," said Dunn.

Another viable detour is 24 Mile Road.

"The township board has taken alternate measures and paved 24 Mile Road to give them an alternate to the detour that the Road Commission is suggesting, which would be 21 Mile Roda," Dunn said.

The township also will install a traffic light at 24 Mile Road and North Avenue in anticipation of increased traffic.