Major construction project to begin at Detroit Metro Airport: What to know

Travelers heading to Detroit Metro Airport anytime soon will need to pack some extra time, with a major road project set to get underway this month.

The Wayne County Airport Authority is set to begin a multi-project construction program on Detroit Metro Airport grounds that will impact traffic flows around both terminals for the next few years.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work to improve the safety of our infrastructure critical to operations at DTW,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Chad Newton. “We are committed to limiting the impact on our customers by working year-round to complete construction as quickly as possible.”

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the construction at DTW

The program is centered around rehabbing roadway tunnels on Dingell Drive. The project is split up into multiple phases — the first one will start this month (January 2024) and run through February. The second phase will start in March 2024 and run through mid 2025.

Beginning January 8, northbound and southbound traffic on Dingell Drive will be reduced to two lanes in each direction through February 29, 2024, weather permitting. Afterward, from March 2024 to mid-2025, northbound traffic on Dingell Drive will be reduced to one lane. All traffic will be shifted to the southbound side of the roadway and tunnels.

Here’s a look at both phases in map form:

The first project of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation Program includes various improvements to the roadway surface, lighting, ventilation, fire protection, communications and monitoring systems, electrical systems and overhead signage, as well as structural repairs and storm-water collection improvements in the tunnels, in addition to other airport infrastructure.

The second project is in the planning stages and will address the rehabilitation of exterior drainage and waterproofing systems of the south and north tunnels. WCAA plans for the second project to start in 2025.

Construction will continue year-round until the anticipated conclusion in 2027. During this time, customers may experience delays while driving on the DTW campus. Departing travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves additional time to reach their gate. Access to parking decks, lots and the Westin hotel will not be impacted.

WCAA awarded the $85.5 million contract for the first project of the program to Toebe Construction in September 2023. The $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Congress passed in 2021, will fund most of the project.