Westland’s Merriman Road Construction Nears Completion
Residents of Westland can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel—or rather, the reopening of Merriman Road—after nearly two years of road construction and detours. With the holiday season just around the corner, traffic flow is set to improve with an expected reopening of the Merriman bridge over Hines Drive likely by Thanksgiving.
The Long, Winding Road of Repairs
It’s been a long haul for commuters relying on Merriman Road, a popular route to access places like the Wayne County Lightfest and even Detroit Metro Airport. Crews blocked off Merriman back in January 2023, and what initially seemed like a straightforward project has turned into quite a saga. You know what they say: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” And that’s exactly what happened when construction teams ran into unexpected surprises underground.
During the work, they unearthed a sewer and remnants of an old wastewater treatment plant, which ultimately required a redesign of two bridges over both Hines Drive and the Middle Rouge River. To add to the stress, parts shortages caused further delays. The result? The original project budget, estimated at $8.6 million, has ballooned to about $13.5 million. Ouch!
Looking Forward to Lightfest
But there’s a silver lining in all this construction chaos! The annual Wayne County Lightfest—a beloved holiday tradition that lights up the season with over 100,000 sparkling lights and 50 animated displays along Hines Drive—is set to kick off Thursday at 6 p.m. The city is eager to welcome residents and visitors alike to this magical event, which will run until December 24, with the exception of Mondays and Tuesdays.
For anyone hoping to enjoy the Lightfest this year, it’s important to keep in mind that access will be a bit tricky until the Merriman bridge reopens. For now, the only way to get to the festivities is from the north side of the bridge. So, mark your calendars and prepare for some delightful holiday cheer!
Traffic Updates and Tips
As always, navigating through roadwork can be frustrating, especially during holiday travel. For those in Westland, it’s good to stay informed. Remember to check for traffic updates regularly, ideally every 10 minutes! Keeping informed will help you avoid any last-minute detours or headaches.
So, as the construction project approaches its final stages and the city gears up for festive celebrations, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The reopening of Merriman Road is on the horizon, and soon enough, Westland’s residents and visitors can finally enjoy smoother traffic conditions as they head out to partake in all the local holiday fun!
Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed for the timely reopening—let’s hope the good citizens of Westland can celebrate a gratitude-filled Thanksgiving with less traffic and more joy!
