Traffic Nightmare: U.S. 23 Closures Will Slow Fenton Drivers

If you drive U.S. 23 through Fenton, get ready because traffic is about to get rough.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, starting Sunday, April 6, crews will begin a $1.4 million concrete repair project on a lengthy 5.4-mile stretch of northbound U.S. 23, running from the Livingston County line to Thompson Road.

This isn’t going to be a few workers with shovels throwing black asphalt into a pothole which only makes the road worse. No, this will be full-depth concrete repairs, outlet cleaning, and pavement markings.

So, what does that mean for drivers? It means you can expect single-lane closures Sunday through Thursday each week from April 6 through sometime in May. The timeline could stretch longer (or shorter) depending on how fast crews work and whether Mother Nature decides to cooperate. It’s spring in Michigan after all, so anything is possible.

U.S. 23 Closures and Detours

Ramp closures are also part of the deal. First up, the northbound U.S. 23 entrance and exit ramps at Owen Road (Exit 78) will shut down. Drivers will have to hop off at Silver Lake Road (Exit 79) and take Silver Parkway or Fenway Drive to reach Owen. If you’re trying to get on northbound U.S. 23 from Owen Road, you’ll need to take Silver Parkway or Fenway Drive to Silver Lake Road instead.

The Silver Lake Road and Torrey Road ramps will close during the second stage of the project, starting around April 20. When that happens, traffic will be detoured via Owen Road (Exit 78) using Silver Parkway and Fenway Drive. More closures will be announced as the project moves forward.

I hope that wasn't too confusing.

Bottom line? If U.S. 23 is part of your daily routine, your commute is going to suck.