DTE is relocating and upgrading electric and natural gas equipment before the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) begins its roadway improvements.
MDOT is planning improvements along the Michigan Avenue / US-12 corridor from I-96 east / 20th Street through Corktown to Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit. Before MDOT’s primary roadway work and new car, bus and bike lane work can begin, utilities (like DTE Energy) must relocate their current infrastructure. It also gives DTE an opportunity to modernize equipment while the corridor is being prepared for broader improvements.
The new DTE electric and gas equipment will help improve service reliability for customers in this area.
Where and when crews will work
DTE work is expected to take place in phases from fall 2026 through summer 2027. MDOT roadway work will follow and is expected to continue into 2028. Schedules may change because of permits, field conditions and coordination with MDOT, the City of Detroit and other utilities.
Note: Cross streets will be impacted due to electric work eastward to downtown Detroit in various phases, including on 20th, 19th, 18th, 17th, 16th, 15th, 14th, Wabash, Vermont, Rosa Parks, Harrison, 11th, Cochrane, 10th, Trumbull, 8th and Brooklyn.
What to expect during utility work
- Michigan Avenue / US-12 will remain open with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction through active work areas from 20th Street to 3rd Avenue.
- Left turns will be permitted only at the major intersections of Trumbull Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard.
- Businesses and residences will remain accessible, but drivers should expect delays and temporary changes to parking, deliveries, valet operations and curb access.
- Work will move in phases, so traffic impacts and active work areas will change as crews progress.
- Drivers should follow posted signs, allow extra time and use alternate routes when practical.
- Short, planned power outages may also occur.
Infrastructure upgrades
- DTE plans to install 5,000 feet of new underground conduit, cables and related equipment.
- DTE plans to install 12,000 feet of natural gas main lines. Some customers will also need service line work, and some natural gas meters will be moved outside.
Supporting Corktown businesses, residents and visitors
DTE and project partners will continue coordinating with nearby businesses, residents and community organizations as schedules and work areas progress. Project updates will be added to this page as information becomes available, so customers are encouraged to bookmark it for future reference.
Thank you for your patience as crews complete this work and prepare Michigan Avenue for future improvements.