There are two spots along I-275 that will have the direct impact on trail users during this summer’s construction.

The first spot is north of Michigan Ave and impacts those trail users who use the connector trail to Canton’s Lower Rouge River Trail.  The connector trail will close on May 7 and remain closed through November.  They are doing major bridge work on I-275 which causes an unsafe situation below the expressway.  Therefore, no one can use the connector trail while construction is going on.  The good news is that this closure will not affect the I-275 Metro Trail directly.  Trail users will still be able to use the I-275 trail itself, going north and south.

The second spot that has direct, and possibly long-term, impact on trail users is at Warren Rd.  The trail at Warren Rd will be narrowed, but useable, until June.  During this time, use this section of the trail with extreme caution.  Treat it as a one lane bridge.  There will be warning signs and fencing in the area.  In June the trail will close from Koppernick Rd to Ford Rd.  Warren Rd is going through extensive work, including work on the back wall, that impacts the trail.  At this point, it is unknown how long the trail will need to remain closed.  It could be from 30 days to 3 months.  Once the extent of work required for the back wall is known, we will be given a more accurate time period for the closure.   This work is major, so it is imperative that trail users respect the barriers and the workers.  Do not use the trail under Warren Rd.

Getting around the Warren Rd closure is tricky, and since the construction is long term a detour route is needed.  Koppernick Rd east of the trail turns to dirt so it might be unfriendly for road bikes.  Here is one option to get around the construction.  Heading south on the trail, you can either take Ann Arbor Rd or Koppernick Rd to Hix Rd.  Head east (left) on either of these roads to get to Hix.  Turn right (south) on Hix and take to Warren Rd.  At Warren Rd, head west (right) to Lotz Rd.  Turn south (left) on Lotz to Ford Rd where you can rejoin the trail.  Heading north on the trail, take Lotz Rd north from Ford Rd and at the Lotz Rd/Warren Rd “T”, turn right (east).  At Hix Rd, turn left (north) and head to either Koppernick Rd or Ann Arbor Rd.  At either of these roads, turn left (west) and head back to the trail.  Since Ann Arbor Rd is currently the main overpass crossing I-275, use extreme caution using this road since traffic volume is high.  There are sidewalks available on Ann Arbor Rd.

For more on I-275 website