If you've noticed more orange barrels, paving crews and construction signs around Detroit this summer, you're not imagining it.

The City has officially kicked off its 2026 road construction season, investing $58 million to repair neighborhood streets, improve major roads, rebuild key corridors and modernize public infrastructure across Detroit.

In all, the program includes 140 individual projects that will continue through the end of the year, weather permitting.

Mayor Mary Sheffield announced the initiative Wednesday while visiting Department of Public Works crews resurfacing Kensington Avenue in the Yorkshire Woods neighborhood.

"Our streets and sidewalks are two of the most visible ways residents experience City government," Sheffield said. "Earlier this spring, we began clearing our backlog of sidewalk repairs, and now we're investing another $58 million to improve neighborhood streets and major roads across Detroit."

Why this year's road program matters

Road construction is about more than smoother pavement.

Well-maintained streets make neighborhoods safer, reduce vehicle damage, improve travel for residents and businesses, and help support future investment. This year's program also continues the City's focus on investing beyond downtown, with most projects taking place in neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

At the same time, the City is using these projects to create jobs for Detroiters. More than 90% of DPW's street maintenance employees live in Detroit, and City contracts require at least 51% of construction work to be performed by Detroit residents.

"I know it means a lot for them to be able to earn a good living improving their own city," Sheffield said.

What roads are being improved?

This year's construction program includes improvements to 44 miles of roads, including:

• 27 miles of residential streets
• 17 miles of major thoroughfares

Some of the major roads scheduled for resurfacing include:

• Northbound John C. Lodge from Wyoming to McNichols
• Whittier from Whitehill to Chandler Park Drive
• Junction Avenue from St. Hedwig to Michigan Avenue

Work is already underway on several projects and will continue through December, weather permitting.

It's not just paving

Several larger infrastructure projects are also moving forward this year.

The City will begin new streetscape projects along Michigan Avenue between Woodward and Cass and West Grand Boulevard west of the Lodge Freeway, near Henry Ford Hospital's new campus. Those improvements will include new pavement, crosswalks, landscaping and other pedestrian-friendly features.

Additional projects include reconstructing roads serving GM Factory Zero, removing two bridges over the Dequindre Cut, constructing a connector to the Joe Louis Greenway and installing new brick-paver roads in the historic Virginia Park neighborhood.

Together, the projects are intended to improve how people move through Detroit while supporting neighborhood investment and economic development.

Where the money is going

The $58 million program includes:

• $18 million to repave 17 miles of major roads
• $14 million to resurface 27 miles of neighborhood streets
• $10 million for roads serving GM Factory Zero
• $6 million for a Michigan Avenue streetscape project
• $3.5 million for a Joe Louis Greenway connector
• $3.5 million for new brick-paver roads in historic Virginia Park
• $2 million for a West Grand Boulevard streetscape
• $1 million to remove two bridges over the Dequindre Cut

The projects are funded through a combination of federal and state transportation funding and City road bond dollars.

What residents can expect

Construction activity will continue across Detroit through the remainder of the year, with crews working on neighborhood streets, major roads and commercial corridors.

While temporary lane closures and detours are part of construction season, City officials say the goal is long-term improvements that make neighborhoods easier to navigate, support local businesses and improve everyday quality of life.