The Michigan Department of Transportation has big plans for I-94 in western Wayne County. 

Crews will rebuild and repair the freeway between I-275 and Michigan Ave. at the Detroit-Dearborn city limits. 

MDOT project engineer Bill Erben says the work will start with clearing shoulders and medians in February. Erben says that includes removing some trees.

“For every tree that we cut, we replace trees at the end,” he says.

February weather is notoriously unpredictable, so the timing is important—especially for wildlife.

“There’s a prohibition on cutting trees during the season that’s conducive to bats mating,” Erben says. “So, we have to get the tree removal done from an environmental standpoint.”

Reconstruction and rehabilitation

Erben says the Restore 94 project has two main components—rebuilding and repairing.

“We start just to the east of Wayne Road and it’s all-new pavement through Beech Daly,” he says. “And then there’s significant section of pavement on westbound 94 from Southfield to the [Ford] Rouge [complex] that will get replaced as well.”

Between I-275 and Michigan Ave., MDOT will install five new bridges and create a new interchange at Ecorse Rd.

Spokesperson Diane Cross says drivers will have access to Metro Airport at all times.

“Drivers will always have I-275, which we redid in the last couple of years,” she says. “If we’re working at Merriman Rd., we’ll make sure Middle Belt Rd. is open and vice versa.”

Getting around it won’t be easy

MDOT plans to shift traffic from one side of the freeway to the other, starting with the westbound lanes. That will reduce traffic from six lanes to four. Erben says the goal is to keep traffic moving on 94 throughout the project.

“There will be local detours, but the bulk of the project is to try to maintain traffic on the freeway,” he says. “We’ll have temporary ramps that will carry traffic from one side to the other.”

The three-year project will affect homes and businesses along 94 in Allen Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale, Romulus and Taylor. That includes the Ford Rouge complex.

Erben says he’s listening to stakeholders. “We’ve met with Ford already, we’ve met with the mayor of Taylor,” he says. “We’re going to do whatever we can to keep that line of communication open.”

Toward that end, MDOT has two public meetings on the project. The first takes place at 1 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the Allen Park Department of Public Services on West Outer Drive. The second happens at 4 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Taylor City Hall on Goddard. 

Our friend, colleague, and one of Detroit’s great connectors

We’re deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ismael Ahmed on January 31st, the longtime host of This Island Earth and a beloved voice on WDET. Ismael was more than a broadcaster — he was a tireless advocate for culture, community, and justice, and his work touched generations across Detroit and beyond.

That same commitment carried into every part of his life. Ismael devoted his life to public service and advocacy, working as a labor organizer and activist and later serving as director of the Michigan Department of Human Services during Governor Jennifer Granholm’s administration. His leadership and commitment to the arts were recognized nationally when President Joe Biden appointed him to the National Council on the Arts.

In Detroit, Ismael’s legacy is inseparable from the Concert of Colors, which he founded 35 years ago. What began as a bold vision grew into a beloved institution celebrating cultural diversity, artistic excellence, and accessibility, bringing communities together through music and performance.

Ismael saw music not simply as entertainment, but as a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas. That belief guided his work, his advocacy, and his relationships. His voice and spirit helped shape Detroit’s cultural landscape, and his impact will be felt for generations.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ismael’s family, friends, collaborators, and to the many listeners who found inspiration and connection through his work. We are grateful to have been part of the community he nurtured so thoughtfully.

A Celebration of Life for Ismael Ahmed will take place during the 35th Annual Concert of Colors, July 15-19, 2026.

Share your memories

WDET will honor Ismael on air in the coming days. We invite you to share your memories and reflections through the online form below or by emailing wdetdigital@wdet.org. You may also leave a voice message through the WDET app on your phone by tapping “Open Mic” in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Condolences and tributes to Ismael Ahmed

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