Capitol News

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that Atwater Street in Detroit will be closed between St. Antoine and Rivard streets starting Monday, Oct. 20. The closure is part of ongoing work to install a new storm sewer outfall at the Detroit riverfront, which is intended to support improvements for I-375.

During the closure, vehicle traffic will be detoured using Woodbridge Street, while pedestrians can use the Riverwalk. MDOT stated, "MDOT is moving forward with building a new storm sewer outfall at the Detroit riverfront. Work requires closing Atwater Street between St. Antoine and Rivard streets." The agency also noted, "Vehicle traffic can use Woodbridge Street; pedestrian traffic can use the Riverwalk."

Traffic will follow detours along St. Antoine, Rivard, and Woodbridge streets in both directions during this period.

Schweizer Place will remain closed between Woodbridge and Atwater streets until early June 2026 due to the installation of the new drainage outfall system. Initial work began on Oct. 13, but crews delayed closing Atwater Street until Oct. 20 to allow for staging related to the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

While there will initially be no impact on the Riverwalk, it is expected to close at Schweizer Place from late this year through early April 2026. Before that closure begins, crews plan to restore parts of Atwater Street for pedestrian access between Rivard and Beaubien streets and for bicyclists between Bates and Riopelle streets. Vehicular access on Atwater Street will not resume until April 2026.

According to MDOT, "The new storm sewer will provide lasting environmental benefits for residents and businesses along I-375 and the riverfront." The project aims to improve water quality by supporting cleaner discharges into the Detroit River and reducing pressure on Detroit's combined sewer system during heavy rain events, which should help decrease flooding risks in local neighborhoods.