Eastpointe plans road diet on 9 Mile Road, sparking business and resident concerns

Eastpointe plans to implement a road diet on 9 Mile Road, reducing it from five lanes to three, with the center lane converted into a turn lane and additional space allocated for parking. The proposal faces opposition from residents and business owners, including David Deronne of Deronne’s Hardware, who fears the change will negatively impact local commerce and employee hours due to decreased traffic flow. Past construction causing temporary lane reductions led to business downturns, reinforcing concerns about the permanent lane reduction. The city has not commented ahead of a public hearing, but a traffic study has been reviewed, and discussions with the Michigan Department of Transportation are anticipated.