Macomb County exploring second segment of Innovate Mound

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is conducting preliminary engineering, exploring funding and grant opportunities, and meeting with community stakeholders to prepare for the future reconstruction of the second segment of the Mound Road corridor from 8 Mile Road to I-696 in Warren.

On June 20, MCDR held a corridor study workshop to provide local, state, and federal elected officials, representatives from the City of Warren, business leaders, state transportation officials, and community stakeholders with initial information and preliminary details about the ongoing corridor study, which is evaluating the reconstruction of the second phase of Innovate Mound.

“With strategic planning and coordination between the Department of Roads, the City of Warren, local, state and federal officials, and with input from residents and the business community, Macomb County is dedicated to improving the Mound Road corridor and investing in the future of the region,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Due to the high cost of reconstructing Mound Road from 8 Mile Road to I-696, the Department of Roads is working diligently to explore all potential state and federal funding opportunities. There isn’t a road or bridge we can’t fix if we have adequate funding and support from our lawmakers in Macomb County, Lansing, and Washington D.C.”

In 2022, MCDR received a $1.25 million federal grant to conduct preliminary engineering along the three-mile-long corridor, which includes evaluating reconstruction, infrastructure repairs, and overall improvements along the second segment of Mound Road. The corridor study includes analysis of existing conditions, traffic and safety, project alternatives, funding, and other preliminary work.

“The first step was securing federal funding to conduct preliminary engineering work that is necessary and required to pursue and apply for grant funding opportunities to reconstruct the second segment of Mound Road,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “Similar to the success of the first segment of Innovate Mound, the future of this project will rely on the strength of our community partnerships to secure funding opportunities necessary for a project of this size and scope.”

Due to the work required on Mound Road between 8 Mile Road and I-696, the project would not be economically feasible with county and local community funds alone. To fund reconstruction of the corridor, Macomb County, Warren, and community stakeholders will be pursuing federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program. The grant application is expected to be submitted later this year with results from the study and letters of support from stakeholders to strengthen the project application.

With tens of thousands of residents, major employers and small businesses located within the second segment of the Mound Road corridor, community engagement will be a critical part of the project and the planning process. MCDR will gather input and feedback from residents, businesses, community leaders, and stakeholders throughout the process with multiple public open houses planned from the planning phase through project construction.

The proposed second segment of the Innovate Mound project includes reconstructing the existing six-lane road with a new six-lane roadway with new pavement, curb and gutter, an enclosed drainage system, and added green space for landscaping.

Anticipated improvements include addressing pavement and infrastructure conditions, consolidating drive approaches and improving access, improving safety for vehicular and non-motorized users, reducing congestion and improving traffic operations, providing safe non-motorized facilities for pedestrian traffic, improving access to public transportation, and supporting adopted master plans and existing economic development within the local community.

Reconstruction work is anticipated to begin in 2027 or 2028 and take two years to complete. The anticipated project timeline is subject to change due to funding availability and other project considerations. Additional information regarding the ongoing corridor study and proposed project can be found here.

MCDR will provide project updates as the results of the corridor study are finalized and as preliminary planning continues to move forward. For questions regarding the corridor study, please contact the Department of Roads at geninfo@rcmcweb.org.

Photos from the stakeholder workshop are available here.