Southfield set for Evergreen Road reconstruction

$12 million reconstruction project starts Monday

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Busy Evergreen Road will be down to one lane in each direction starting Monday between Interstate 696 and Northwestern Highway in Southfield.

The partial closure will remain until July 2015. The road will resemble what drivers already see on Interstate 96 in Redford Township and Livonia. Crews will be removing everything down to the dirt before rebuilding the road.

This $12 million Evergreen Road reconstruction project will create wider sidewalks and some new landscaping. To ease congestion, two roundabouts will be installed at City Hall and Civic Center Drive.

"This is supposed to be an economic stimulus for this area. People are really looking for someplace -- a destination," said Leigh Shultz, city engineer.

Many say the upgrades couldn't come fast enough. However, drivers are worried about detours and delays.

This is the first project of this magnitude on this portion of Evergreen Road since it was built. About 1.1 miles of road will be replaced over the next year.

About $5 million of the $12 million needed is coming from the state and federal governments. The rest will come from the city of Southfield's budget.


About the Author:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism