Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that Atwater Street in Detroit will be closed between St. Antoine and Rivard streets starting Monday, October 20, as part of ongoing utility improvements related to I-375. The closure is necessary for the construction of a new storm sewer outfall at the Detroit riverfront.

Traffic will be rerouted using St. Antoine, Rivard, and Woodbridge streets in both directions. Pedestrians are advised to use the Riverwalk during this period.

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

MDOT stated that initially there would be no impact on the Riverwalk. However, from late this year through early April 2026, the Riverwalk will close at Schweizer Place. Prior to this closure, a section of Atwater Street will be restored for pedestrian access between Rivard and Beaubien streets and for bicyclists between Bates and Riopelle streets. Vehicular traffic on Atwater Street is expected to remain restricted 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 new storm sewer will support cleaner water being discharged into the Detroit River and relieve pressure on the existing city combined sewer system after heavy rain events, reducing the risk of flooding on streets and in neighborhoods."