The Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) US-24 Renewal and Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) project completely reconstructed 1.4 miles of the major north-south arterial, improving the corridor near the Detroit-Southfield border for years to come. The crown of the effort was the DDI at US-24 (Telegraph Road) and M-102 (8 Mile Road), which proved a perfect fit for the site’s tight right-of-way constraints, need to accommodate larger vehicles, and slower speeds compared to typical DDI configurations. Along with being the first DDI in Michigan to connect two free-access, arterial boulevard roadways, this type of application is rare across the country. Since implementation, injury related crashes at the new interchange have decreased by 78% compared to the annual average for the previous 5 years. Full US-24 renewal incorporates road design features and operational improvements to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and deliver a context-sensitive solution to stakeholders. Wade Trim served as prime consultant for the project, leading design and engineering services, and providing design assistance during construction.

Spanning from M-5 (Grand River Avenue) to north of M-102, the renewal modified roadway geometrics and optimized traffic signals and crossovers to improve efficiency and enhance safety. Reconstruction of the US-24/M-5 intersection eliminated direct left turns, strategically placed Median U-Turn Intersection Treatments (MUTIT, commonly known as the Michigan Left Turn), and closed off an unsafe right turn access point. This effective application of updated roadway standards improved driver safety at an intersection that previously tallied high crash rates. In addition, significant cost savings were achieved by salvaging the two M-102 bridges over US-24 using the DDI’s configuration, improving three other bridges in the area, and minimizing the DDI’s footprint in the busy, urban area with the Rouge River and businesses close to entry and exit points. Finally, three pavement subbase test sections were incorporated for performance analysis to enhance sustainability of future designs.

The project’s benefits extend beyond the roadway to pedestrians, stormwater drainage, and sustainability. Sidewalk extensions, signalized crossings, and a crosswalk along US-24 that connects two neighborhoods enhance pedestrian mobility and safety. New stormwater drainage, separated from previously combined sewers, helps reduce combined sewer overflows and protect local roadways and waterways. A major water transmission main was relocated to accommodate the reconfigured DDI ramps. The result of the US-24 Renewal & DDI project is a safer, more efficient corridor that strengthens the region’s mobility and infrastructure.

Award
ACEC Michigan Engineering Honorable Conceptor Award, 2026