Prolonged Construction on Merriman Road Puts Strain on Garden City and Westland Residents

Garden City – Prolonged construction along Merriman Road, bordering both Garden City and Westland, has been a source of great annoyance for the citizens. The roadwork, which started almost two years ago and shows no sign of finishing anytime soon, is increasingly unsettling residents and local businesses alike.

Jeff Kassab, who oversees the HandyMart convenience store situated on Merriman Road, lamented about the diminishing number of customers since the roadwork began in January 2023. He stressed, “Let’s get it done“, clearly expressing the general impediment felt by the community due to the delayed construction.

Despite the reduced customer footfall, his store remains operational primarily due to patronage from loyal customers. However, Kassab conceded that he had to make some hard choices, such as downsizing his staff and working additional hours himself, in order to keep the business running.

The construction on Merriman Road involves replacement of two significant bridges, one over the Rouge River and the other over Hines Drive. This challenging project was initially slated for completion in the fall of 2023, but that timeline was not met.

Nan Frye, resident of Garden City, voiced her frustration, stating that the construction work has not only been inconvenient but also burdensome in terms of fuel costs. With the roads blocked, a lot of residents including Frye, are compelled to take a detour via Middlebelt Road, which has significantly increased their fuel bills.

Both Frye and Kassab voiced their grievances and demanded clarity on what’s stalling the construction and when can they expect the work to conclude. Our team pursued their queries with Wayne County officials who indicated that the delays stem from complications related to a sanitation line running parallel to Merriman Road. The proximity of the line to some buried concrete debris left over from a deserted wastewater treatment system has emerged as a major obstruction. This debris, if disturbed, may compromise the structural integrity of the sewer system leading to more delays.

Wayne County Department of Public Services assures that the construction should wrap up by the end of 2024, but they also mentioned that weather conditions could alter this deadline. We remain committed to keeping a close eye on the construction and will provide updates on the project as they become available.