Project Description

I-75 carries eight-lanes of traffic over the Rouge River through the City of Detroit and provides access to local communities and Canada. The existing bridge deck is nearly 50 years old and in need of replacement. This will take two years due to the size of the bridge.

Facts about the Rouge River Bridge:

• The largest bridge in Michigan
• 1.63 miles long
• The area of 20 football fields
• 49 years old
• Carries 37 million vehicles per year
• A vital commercial link between the U.S. and Canada

The project includes three interchanges:

• I-75/M-85/Schaefer Highway
• I-75 Dearborn Street
• I-75 Springwells Street

Bridge Deck Replacement

The existing bridge deck is in poor condition. I-75 has required short-term closures to repair the deck causing significant disruption to traffic.

Big Bridge Strategy Saves Money

A new bridge costs nearly $400 million. By strategically rehabilitating the bridge over the past 40 years Michgan has saved $250 million and reduced disruption.

Maintenance History - $65 Million

A new bridge costs nearly $400 million. By strategically rehabilitating the bridge over the past 40 years Michgan has saved $250 million.

Two Year Project Schedule

Due to the size, complexity and physical constraints it will take two years to replace the deck.

Maintenance of Traffic

• • Separate construction workers from traffic
• • SB I-75 traffic will be detoured during 2017 to 2018
• • NB I-75 traffic will be maintained at all times
• • Stage I (2017): NB traffic on NB bridge, SB bridge deck replaced
• • Stage II (2018): NB traffic shifted onto SB bridge, NB bridge deck replaced