Water System Upgrades
Michigan Avenue 2026
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) and its contractor, Inner City Contracting, is replacing specific water mains, lead service lines and fire hydrants at various locations on Michigan Avenue in Corktown and Downtown. The water system provides drinking water and is separate from the combined sewer system. DWSD is completing this work in advance of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) starting the Michigan Avenue reconstruction project later in 2026.
Work to be Performed
•Installation of various segments of water main on Michigan Avenue and at intersecting streets between 20th and Shelby.
•Replacement of lead service lines, where they exist.
•Replacement of fire hydrants and valves.
•Pavement restoration of disrupted areas.
Schedule
•Construction is expected to begin March 30, 2026.
•This is a four-month project to complete all segments within the project.
•To stay updated with the construction schedule, email dwsd-publicaffairs@detroitmi.gov with the subject line “Michigan Ave Project.”
Construction Impact
•Water service line replacements and temporary water service interruptions for businesses and homes on the north side of Michigan Avenue between 20th and 15th.
•Two lanes of traffic will be closed during construction where the contractor is installing the new water main.
•Bike lanes may be temporarily unavailable during construction.
•Bus stops will remain open.
•Traffic signage will be utilized during closures – directional traffic, temporary closures, bike lanes, pedestrian traffic.
Project Notifications
•DWSD will provide door hanger notices and email updates to impacted businesses and residents one week prior to each water main replacement segment beginning.
•If a planned temporary water service interruption is necessary, affected residents and businesses will be notified one week in advance. Households and businesses should flush their taps after any service interruption by using the instructions on the door hanger notification.
Restoration
•Portions of the street, sidewalk, driveway and curb may be dug up. Temporary asphalt may be placed to allow for street and driveway access until permanent restoration can take place.
•When concrete is poured, it will need to cure, which will temporarily prevent access to sidewalks, driveways where they exist and potentially alleyways. Before this work begins, impacted residents will be notified.