Detroit Airport: Implementation of Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation Program gets underway

The implementation of a multimillion-dollar project dubbed Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation Program has begun at Detroit Metro Airport. The latter is a major international airport in the United States located in Romulus, Michigan.

Reportedly, the project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase includes various improvements to the roadway surface, lighting, ventilation and fire protection systems. Communications and monitoring systems, electrical systems and overhead signage will also be improved during this phase.

Additionally, this phase will include structural repairs and storm-water collection improvements in the tunnels, as well as other airport infrastructure. The second phase of the project on the other hand will address the rehabilitation of exterior drainage and waterproofing systems of the south and north tunnels.

Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project timeline

The implementation of the first phase of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project began on January 8th 2024 with Toebe Construction as the contractor. Toebe Construction is a heavy civil engineering contractor with 98 years of superior performance on private, commercial, and industrial projects in Michigan.

The company was awarded the contract for the first phase of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project by Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) back in September 2023. WCAA is a governmental entity tasked with the strategic operation and management of Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) as well as Willow Run Airport (YIP).

The second phase of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project on the other hand is currently in the planning stages. Its implementation is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027.

Cost and funding for the Detroit Airport multimillion project

The implementation of the first phase of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project is expected to cost US$ 85.5 million.

The US$ 1.2T Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) that Congress passed back in 2021, will fund most of the project.

Caution

During the implementation of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project, customers may experience delays while driving on the DTW campus due to some necessary changes.

For example, beginning Jan 8 2024, the northbound and southbound traffic on Dingell Drive will be cut down to two lanes in each direction. It will remain this way through February 29, 2024, weather permitting. Afterwards, from March 2024 to mid-2025, northbound traffic on Dingell Drive will be cut down to one lane.

All traffic will be redirected to the southbound side of the roadway and tunnels. Departing travelers are therefore encouraged to plan and give themselves additional time to reach their gate. However, access to parking decks, lots and the Westin Hotel will not be interfered with.

Commitment to reduce the inconvenience

Chad Newton thanked the Detroit Metro Airport customers in advance for their patience. He also assured WCAA’s commitment to reduce the inconvenience by working year-round to complete the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation project within the shortest time possible.

Newton is the Wayne County Airport Authority CEO.