The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on April 6 that a two-year project to install soundwalls along a section of northbound Interstate 75 in Troy will begin Friday, April 10, weather permitting. The work will cover a 2.7-mile stretch from Wattles Road to Coolidge Highway and includes the installation of two soundwalls as well as additional safety improvements.
This project aims to reduce noise for nearby neighborhoods and enhance safety for motorists and workers. During construction, temporary barriers will be installed and traffic will shift along the affected area. Three northbound lanes are expected to remain open during peak travel times, while multiple lane closures are planned for off-peak hours on weekdays and throughout weekends until the new traffic pattern is established.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), soundwalls will be placed between Wattles Road and Long Lake Road, as well as from Crooks Road to Coolidge Highway. Additional features include guardrail installations, shoulder improvements, and drainage realignment designed to protect both infrastructure and adjacent communities. Access from northbound I-75 to the Crooks Road/Corporate Drive interchange will remain available throughout construction. The high-occupancy vehicle lane occupancy requirements between Big Beaver Road and Coolidge Highway will also be suspended during this period.
Based on economic modeling, this $14.5 million investment is projected to support approximately 123 jobs directly or indirectly over the course of construction.
The Michigan Department of Transportation manages nearly 10,000 miles of state highways, more than 4,800 bridges, non-motorized trails spanning over 2,700 miles, railroad tracks covering about 665 miles, and various airports across Michigan according to the official website. MDOT employs more than 2,800 people statewide across seven regions with numerous service centers and facilities according to its official website.
The department’s mission focuses on serving people by linking communities with transportation solutions that support economic growth according to its official website. Leadership at MDOT includes roles such as director as well as chief administrative officer among other key executives according to its official website. Its operations extend across an extensive network that maintains M routes (Michigan state highways), I routes (interstates), US routes (U.S. highways), bridges, rail services including public transit programs for aviation—and sets safety standards statewide according to its official website.
