The End Is Near (For 11 Mile Construction, That Is)

Remember back in April when construction on 11 Mile Road began?

It's been a long road, so to speak, but we're nearly at the end of the $1.9 million makeover.

The project is scheduled to be complete on Friday, Nov. 8, according to City Engineer Matt Callahan. Then there's the punch list of "to-do" items, which is pages and pages, according to the engineer. That work is supposed to be complete by Nov. 15.

"It's unlikely they'll get it all done," Callahan said. "They'll probably be back in the spring."

Light at the end of the tunnel

DTE Energy spokesperson Scott Simon said the the energy provider should also complete its work on the project by Nov. 8. 

The makeover added new ornamental streetlights from Troy Street to Campbell Road. 

Terry Schaefer, who owns an auto repair shop at 723 E.11 Mile Rd., is looking forward to the return of light on the county road.

"The road has been pretty darn dark," he said.

Robert Bruce, a photographer who has a studio at 831 E. 11 Mile Rd., is also looking forward to the completion of the project, which in addition to new streetlights added wider sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and replaced water mains where needed. New curbs and gutters were also installed to correct long-standing drainage problems.

"I am really happy," said Bruce, who is also the co-founder of 11 Mile Has It All, a cooperative of businesses along 11 Mile. "Some businesses have complained the construction has hurt business, but when it's done it's going to look great. We've been begging for a visually-appealing uniform look for years."

Bruce hopes investors will rethink 11 Mile Road once the makeover is complete.

"Now is the time to get in on the ground floor," he said.