Travel Advisory: Expect Delays Outside Detroit’s DTW Airport Until 2027

Starting soon, you may have to worry about more than just flight delays when flying out of Detroit's DTW airport.

If you have any upcoming trips that require you to fly out of Detroit in the next couple of years, be sure to leave extra travel time to the airport. A multi-project road construction program is set to begin this month near the airport.

Get our free mobile app

These projects will happen in phases in an attempt to ease traffic as the Wayne County Airport Authority plans to rehab the roadway tunnels on Dingell Drive. The first two phases are expected to be completed by mid-2025, with more phases in the works. The later phases will take place between mid-2025 through 2027.

Yep, you read that right. These projects won't be completed until 2027.

Phases 1 and 2

The first phase and start of this multi-year project is set to begin on Monday, January 8th, 2024. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to start in March 2024, weather permitting, and continue through mid-2025.

SEE ALSO: Major Michigan Airport Ranks in Top 10 in U.S. for Food Options

Phase 1 Details

Starting on Monday (1/8/24), traffic in both northbound and southbound lanes will be reduced to only two lanes in each direction on Dingell Drive. Those lane restrictions will continue until February 29th, 2024, weather permitting. See photo below for details.

Phase 2 Details

This phase is expected to run from March 2024 through mid-2025, weather permitting. During Phase 2, all traffic will be shifted to the southbound side of Dingell Drive with only one lane open in the northbound direction. See photo below for details.

This first project overall will include improvements to the roadway surface, lighting, ventilation, fire protection, structural repairs, and more. For complete details of the Dingell Drive Tunnels and Roadway Rehabilitation Program, click here.

Source: Wayne County Airport Authority