Major I-94 Rebuild Near Detroit Metro Airport to Snarl Traffic for Years

MDOT's $353M Restore94 project will rebuild 13 miles of I-94 between I-275 and Michigan Ave with lane reductions and ramp closures through 2029.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is launching a major $353 million project to rebuild 13 miles of Interstate 94 between Romulus and Dearborn. The multi-year Restore94 program will involve lane reductions, ramp closures, and other traffic disruptions that are expected to cause significant delays for drivers accessing Detroit Metro Airport and traveling across Metro Detroit through at least mid-2029.

Why it matters

The I-94 corridor is a critical transportation artery in the region, carrying up to 150,000 vehicles per day and providing access to Detroit Metro Airport. The lengthy construction project and resulting traffic snarls will impact commuters, airport travelers, and businesses along the corridor, requiring drivers to seek alternate routes and adjust travel plans.

The details

The Restore94 project will rebuild the mainline of I-94, realign the roadway, repair bridges and ramps, add a new interchange at Ecorse Road, and upgrade lighting, drainage, and intelligent transportation systems. MDOT plans to keep at least one to two lanes open most of the time, but drivers should expect evolving detours, lane shifts, and consistently slower traffic throughout the multi-year construction.

  • Prep work has already begun, with crews clearing medians and getting shoulders and crossovers ready.
  • Major lane reductions, including stretches down to a single lane, are likely by summer 2026 once prep work wraps and asphalt plants reopen.
  • The overall Restore94 project is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

The state transportation agency overseeing the $353 million Restore94 project to rebuild 13 miles of I-94 between Romulus and Dearborn.

Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)

A major international airport that is a key destination and access point along the I-94 corridor.

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What they’re saying

“Well, it is going to make getting around pretty difficult, that's for sure.”

— Terry Chaney, Allen Park resident (WXYZ)

“Access to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) from I-94 and I-275 will be preserved throughout the project.”

— Diane Cross, MDOT spokeswoman (AXIOS)

What’s next

MDOT says major lane reductions, including stretches down to a single lane, are likely by summer 2026 once prep work wraps and asphalt plants reopen. The overall Restore94 project is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

The takeaway

This lengthy construction project on a critical transportation artery will cause significant disruptions for drivers accessing Detroit Metro Airport and traveling across Metro Detroit. Commuters and travelers will need to plan for evolving detours, consistently slower traffic, and the need to seek alternate routes to avoid the construction zone.