The City of Sterling Heights recently received word that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin engineering improvements to Dobry Drive, the service drive off M-59 that goes up and over Mound Road, this spring.
Construction of the $2.5 million project will begin as soon as weather permits and is contingent on an expected surplus of this year’s winter maintenance budget due to favorable winter weather.
In January, City of Sterling Heights officials reached out to MDOT to request the work on Dobry Drive to be added to this year’s construction budget and started as soon as possible given the deplorable condition of the roadway. This week, MDOT officials sent a letter to the City of Sterling Heights with details of planned improvements.
"This section of roadway is in extremely poor condition and it’s in the heart of my district, so I’m very aware of the axle busting condition of the road,” said State Representative Jeff Farrington. “I recently met with MDOT Director Kirk Steudle to express my concern about the condition of this service drive and he concurred that the improvement needs to be a higher priority. I am relieved Mr. Steudle agreed to allocate the required funding to complete the improvement."
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor said he’s glad the State responded to the City’s requests and concerns about the highly trafficked roadway.
"I am pleased that the State has accelerated the Dobry service drive improvement and motorists will soon see relief for what is perhaps one of the worst sections of pavement in the area," Taylor said. “I want to thank Representative Farrington for his assistance working with MDOT to secure funding for this multi-million dollar project which is long overdue.”
The City initially received a letter from MDOT in January expressing the roadways could not be repaired this year. In February, City Manager Mark Vanderpool reached out to State officials again and expressed increased concern for the roadway given the new Jimmy John’s Ballpark opening this spring and the expected increase in traffic along the roadway.
“Not only is the current condition a safety concern, but the impression from an economic impact on Macomb County and the entire area is less than desirable,” Vanderpool said in a letter to State Representatives.
More information about the roadway improvements and impact to traffic will be released when they are available. Media with further questions can contact Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle at bdoyle@sterling-heights.net or (586) 446-2471.