Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About the Sheldon Road Underpass Project

What part of Sheldon Road will be closed?
Sheldon Road will be completely closed from Farmer Street to just south of the ramps to M-14. However, an access lane will be maintained to Plymouth Oaks Boulevard from the north.

How long will Sheldon Road be closed?
Starting in December 2006, it is expected that this project will take approximately 23 months to complete, with Sheldon Road closed for the entire time.

Why does Sheldon Road have to be closed completely?
Due to the extensive nature of the work required, Sheldon Road must be closed completely. In addition, there is no room to construct a temporary road.

How will the road closure affect emergency vehicles?
Emergency vehicles will have access at approved points to both the north and south areas of the construction zone up to the railroad tracks.

What is the Authorized Detour Route for Sheldon Road traffic?
The Authorized Detour Route from Sheldon Road at Farmer Street will be south to Ann Arbor Road, east to I-275, north to M-14 and west to the ramp to Sheldon Road. The Authorized Detour Route from the M-14 ramp will be east on M-14, south on I-275, west on Ann Arbor Road and north on Sheldon Road.

Who is responsible for the work?
The Wayne County Department of Public Services will supervise this project. Wayne County’s Supervising Engineer is Michael Lens,
(734) 595-6504 Ext. 2077 and the Project Engineer is Craig Wobrock, (734) 595-6504 Ext. 2070. Inquiries should go first to Mr. Wobrock.

What will the Contractors’ hours of operation be?
It is expected that the contractors will work during winter months for approximately nine hours a day, from daylight until dusk, and in warmer months from about dawn (about 6:15 am) to dusk (between 9:00 and 10:00 pm).

What measures will be taken to prevent access to the closed portion of Sheldon Road?
The construction zone will be barricaded on both the north and south, and appropriately signed as Closed to Traffic. The entire boundary of the construction zone cannot be fenced, so parents in surrounding neighborhoods should instruct and supervise their children to avoid the construction zone.

What measures are being taken to assist local traffic?
Wayne County DPS is working with representatives of the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Township to change traffic light signal patterns on certain nearby streets like Beck Road to better accommodate the heavier volume of traffic. Wayne County has also completed extensive and expensive improvements to various sections of Beck Road in anticipation of Sheldon Road being closed.

What effect will this project have on water supply to Plymouth?
Near the beginning of the project, two temporary water main connections will be installed in anticipation of later closing and moving the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water main. The temporary connections will be tested to make sure they will be adequate. The temporary connections will only have to be used for about two weeks during the spring of 2007.

Will there be on-going communication and cooperation between the parties involved in this project?
Absolutely. Wayne County DPS appreciates the participation and assistance of the Charter Township of Plymouth, City of Plymouth, the Michigan Department of Transportation, CSX Transportation and the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, as well as various utilities, the contractors and consulting engineers.

How can I receive updates on road closures and other important information for this project?
If you live or work in the Township and wish to receive important updates during this project, please provide your e-mail address to the Charter Township of Plymouth Division of Public Services, (734) 354-3270. As an alternative, you may periodically check our website for updates at www.plymouthtwp.org.