Federal INFRA grant paves the way for the $185 million reconstruction of Mound Road in Warren and Sterling Heights
MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. — The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has selected a joint application by Macomb County and the cities of Sterling Heights and Warren to be sent on as a recommended Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant project to be funded by Congress. The $97.8 million grant will help fund a $184.6 million reconstruction of
Mound Road. Upon completion, the Mound Road Industrial Corridor Project will not only reconstruct this major arterial road, but also enhance the entire transportation corridor from Interstate 696 in Warren to M-59 in Sterling Heights.
The INFRA grant application was submitted in fall 2017 under an initiative called “Innovate Mound,” a public/private collaborative effort spearheaded by leaders from state, county and local governments and businesses. This diverse and committed group had vital interests in transforming Mound Road from its current poor state into a next-generation corridor of
innovation.
The Mound Road Corridor is a major artery for national automotive, defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing installations. The stretch of Mound Road eligible for the grant is a critical 9-mile, eight-lane connection between I-696 and M-59, supporting more than 81,000 nearby manufacturing jobs. Industrial facilities and employers along the route include the General Motors Technical Center, the Ford Axle Plant, the Chrysler Assembly Plant, General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems and the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center
(TARDEC).
The goals of Innovate Mound include building a better roadway that features smart technology to enhance the efficient and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians. The goals will be realized by:
The complete reconstruction of Mound Road from I-696 to M-59
Widening of Mound Road in Sterling Heights from three to four lanes
Installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Real-time traffic speed monitoring
Traffic flow improvements, including signals and signs
Installation of two pedestrian walkways and improved landscaping
Unified lighting and iconic signage
Funding for the project cost not being covered by the INFRA grant will come from Macomb County, the City of Sterling Heights and the City of Warren in the amounts of $43.3 million, $29.06 million and $14.3 million, respectively. Congress now has 60 days to review the list of projects recommended for funding nationwide, including Mound Road. Assuming Congress approves the project, the reconstruction of Mound Road will commence in approximately 20 months.
“This grant award is significant for two reasons. First, it provides us with the necessary funding to invest in our region's number one need: fixing our infrastructure," said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “It also strengthens Macomb County's position as a leader in mobility. Special thanks to our federal legislators, especially Senators Stabenow and Peters and Congressman
Mitchell for their bipartisan support of this project.”
“On behalf of all Sterling Heights residents and the motoring public, I could not be more excited about the news today,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “The worst roadway in the region will soon be transformed into one of the best transportation corridors in all of Michigan. A corridor like Mound Road — that generates $8 billion dollars in economic impact to the region — deserves nothing less. The intergovernmental support involved in this initiative should serve as a model for cities and counties across the nation.”
“This will help the traffic generated by the $2.5 billion expansion of the GM Tech Center and Fiat Chrysler in Warren,” said Warren Mayor Jim Fouts. “This new, high-tech investment is a shot in the arm for economic development in Macomb County. This is a great example of collaboration and cooperation between Warren, Macomb County, and Sterling Heights. This demonstrates what we can accomplish by working together. Credit must go to Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Sterling Heights City Manager Mark Vanderpool, and Mayor Michael Taylor for this collaborative effort at economic leadership in the Metro Area. This is an important investment for Macomb County motorists.
“The Innovate Mound Executive Committee included leadership from local governments, including Macomb County, Sterling Heights and Warren as well as corporate leadership from BAE Systems, FCA USA, Ford Motor Company, General Dynamics, General Motors, U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal, AM Specialties, Inc., Casadei Steel Inc., Chardam Gear Company, ContiCorporation, Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S), Metro Wire & Cable Corp. and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
More information about Innovate Mound can be viewed at www.innovatemound.org. Media with questions, seeking more information or with interview requests can contact Macomb County’s John Cwikla at cwikla@macombgov.org or by calling (586) 291-1652.