Wayne County’s Merriman Road Set to Reopen After Lengthy Closure
Wayne County, get ready to celebrate! Commuters have been eagerly awaiting this moment—the long-awaited reopening of Merriman Road. After months of frustrating detours and delays, the road is finally set to welcome back traffic, much to the relief of residents and local businesses alike.
A Closure That Lasted All Too Long
The closure, which began way back in January 2023 for crucial bridge repairs, was originally scheduled to wrap up by fall 2023. But as we often see with construction projects, things didn’t go quite as planned. The discovery of a sanitary line running parallel to Merriman Road forced the construction crew to hit the pause button and head back to the drawing board.
“We had to redesign part of this project to ensure we didn’t mess with that sewer line,” explained Scott Cabauatan, the Deputy Director of Public Services. “Our goal is to avoid causing future issues, which is why this has been such a delicate undertaking.”
Impact on Local Businesses
Businesses in the vicinity have certainly felt the pinch during this extended closure. The Handy Mart, located just south of Warren Road, faced a significant drop in customers. Store manager Jeff Kassab lamented, “I know it as the day they screwed my business over. It’s been tough without the usual traffic. No new faces because there’s no traffic here; it’s just dead.”
But with the reopening around the corner, Kassab is ready to turn things around. “We’re ready! I’ve got three people on call to bring them back to work so we can get busy again,” he said enthusiastically. He’s even planning special deals to entice old customers to return—none other than a buy one, get one free offer on the iconic pepperoni rolls!
Looking Towards the Future
As construction crews dot the landscape, adding the final touches to the road and bridges, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The Wayne County Department of Public Services is optimistic about the impact the reopened Merriman Road will have on local commerce.
“We appreciate the patience of the community during this lengthy process,” Cabauatan said, acknowledging the frustration experienced by both residents and business owners. “I know this has been a tough time.”
Reopening Soon!
So, mark your calendars! Merriman Road is poised to reopen soon, and businesses like the Handy Mart are rolling out the welcome mat and looking to reclaim their loyal customers. “Come on back down! Buy one, get one free pepperoni roll right up when the bridge is done,” Kassab announced with a smile.
This reopening is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s a revival for local shops and a reestablishing of community connection in Wayne County. Drivers can expect to see a smoother ride, improved traffic signals, and of course, the familiar sights of local businesses welcoming back their valued customers.
So here’s to Merriman Road! Cheers to new beginnings, busy streets, and local spots we all missed. Let’s drive on over and show our support as this essential artery reopens for business!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
