MCDR completes Mound Road and Metro Parkway resurfacing work

Macomb County targets federal funding for future road reconstruction and bridge replacement projects

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. - The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) recently completed resurfacing projects on Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway as part of the agency's annual Pavement Preservation Program (PPP). The projects included pavement milling (removal of pavement), resurfacing the roadways with asphalt overlays and new pavement markings.

The two resurfacing projects are part of MCDR's transportation asset management strategy to improve the surface of the roadways while the agency continues to secure the additional funding needed for the proposed future reconstruction projects. Due to the scope of work required and the high cost of reconstructing Mound Road between M-102 (8 Mile Road) and I-696 (11 Mile Road) in Warren and replacing the Metropolitan Parkway bridge between Mound Road and M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) in Sterling Heights, additional funding sources are needed, including federal competitive grant and discretionary funding.

"Macomb County remains committed to enhancing the Mound Road and Metropolitan Parkway corridors through a combination of innovative funding approaches and collaborative partnerships," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Macomb County has always been focused on tackling complex road projects with constant community input, dynamic project teams and diversified funding strategies. This is the same approach we are deploying to reconstruct Segment II of Innovate Mound and replace the Metropolitan Parkway bridge. We are thankful for all of our congressional leaders and partners who have supported Macomb County's plans to invest in our infrastructure and the future of our community."

Innovate Mound Segment II

In 2024, $2.5 million dollars was committed by the Michigan Legislature to resurface Mound Road between 8 Mile Road and I-696. MCDR leveraged these funds to resurface the Mound Road corridor in 2026 while Macomb County seeks additional funding for the reconstruction of Segment II.

"The pavement preservation projects recently completed by the Department of Roads will improve the driving experience for motorists while we continue to secure additional state and federal funding to support long-term solutions for both corridors," said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. "We've had success with previous federal grant funding opportunities and we're hopeful for a positive result on the next round of our application submittals."

Building on momentum, Macomb County was recently awarded $8.75 million in congressional funding towards the $100 million dollars needed to fully reconstruct Segment II of Innovate Mound. MCDR also prepared a submittal for the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program, which was submitted by MCDR in July of 2026.

The proposed Innovate Mound Segment II project will reconstruct and modernize Mound Road, representing the southern segment of the corridor. This segment is a significant regional connection supporting the movement of people and goods through a major industrial area in southeast Michigan. The proposed project continues the broader Innovate Mound corridor investment, complementing the northern segment reconstruction from I-696 to M-59 (Hall Road), which was supported by a previous INFRA grant.

Segment I of the transformational $220 million Innovate Mound project opened on time and on budget in December of 2023 with final restoration and landscaping work being completed in 2024. The multi-year project reconstructed approximately nine miles of the Mound Road corridor in Warren and Sterling Heights. The project included new pavement, drainage, curbs and driveways, traffic signal optimization, roadway widening north of 17 Mile Road, connected vehicle and fiber optic communications technology, enhanced non-motorized facilities and energy-efficient lighting.

Metropolitan Parkway Bridge

The Metropolitan Parkway bridge, which carries Metropolitan Parkway over an active railroad corridor between Mound Road and Van Dyke Avenue, remains a top priority for MCDR. The bridge is in fair condition but still deteriorating. Recognizing Metropolitan Parkway is a critical link through Macomb County, MCDR is choosing to prioritize early involvement. Without intervention, the bridge is at increasing risk of falling into poor condition and subject to load restrictions which could hinder freight and commercial travel.

The proposed $43 million project will replace the existing bridge with a new five-span structure with a reinforced concrete deck designed to current standards. The replacement will ensure the structure remains safe and operational, meets current and future traveler needs, supports local economies, strengthens supply chains, connects surrounding disadvantaged communities to critical facilities, and creates good-paying jobs while reducing the number of bridges in deteriorating condition. In addition to upgrading the bridge, the increase in railroad clearance will allow for additional railroad capacity in the future.

To assist with funding the proposed bridge replacement project, MCDR applied for a Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant through USDOT in June of 2026.

Photos and videos of construction and the completed projects are available online. For the latest news and information regarding active and planned MCDR projects, visit the Macomb Work Zone at macombgov.org/macombworkzone.